North Karelia Hiking Trails

For Metsähallitus’ official description, difficulty class, and the latest trail-specific guidance, start with the Kuusipolku luontopolku page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia sets the scene: the path threads through old slash-and-burn forest beside a fell slope, with vegetation that feels distinct from other nearby walks in the Patvinsuo area(2). Kuusipolku is about 2.6 km as one nature trail in Lieksa in North Karelia, beginning from the Autiovaara parking area on the western side of Patvinsuo National Park. The route is classified as demanding: expect roots, short climbs and descents, and about an hour on the move for most walkers(1)(2). Along the forest path, information boards cover both ecology and local history; duckboards help in wet stretches, and the trail is marked with blue paint(1)(2). A picnic table group sits at Autiovaara pysäköintialue so you can eat before or after the walk; there are no separate benches along the path itself(2). Jari Hanhela’s Patvinsuo trip write-up on Kotona ikimetsässä notes how the spruce-forest introduction can feel brief and how nearby road noise reaches the trail in places—worth weighing if you want a very quiet forest experience(3). The Kävelystä ja elämästä blog from Autiovaara highlights counterclockwise walking, lively autumn fungi and moss, and the absence of formal rest stops along the walk—matching the idea of a compact, self-sufficient stroll(4). On the ground you use Autiovaara pysäköintialue as the hub: Autiovaara pysäköintialue kuivakäymälä is right next to the parking area for a dry toilet before you set off. The same Autiovaara start appears in national data as the related Kuusipolku luontopolku listing; both describe the same spruce-path experience from the same trailhead. The City of Lieksa publishes wider hiking information and municipal trail contacts on its retkeily pages if you need a local phone after your visit(5).

The Kirkonkylä Nature and Culture Trail is a moderate loop of about 4.8 km around Kontiolahti village centre between Lake Höytiäinen and the Kirkonkylä built-up area in North Karelia. For the municipality’s own narrative on Höytiäisen drawdown landforms, Honkavaara, the Vierevänniemi shore, and how the route ties to Kotiseutukeskus, start with the City of Kontiolahti’s Luonto- ja ulkoilureitit pages(1). Visit Karelia’s trail page, with text credited to the municipality, adds practical detail on parking, local bus access, and the recommended walking direction(2). Via Karelia’s route card summarises the mix of forest path, duckboards, small roads, and a short stretch of main street, and names the old cemetery and the lane toward the parish house(3). The loop is a nature-and-culture circuit: roughly fifteen information boards along the way describe local nature and Kirkonkylä history. From the sports and ice-rink side near Kontiohalli, the route soon reaches Kirkonkylän ulkokuntoilualue and other village sports facilities, then threads toward Höytiäisen shores. About two kilometres into the walk you reach Vierevänniemen uimaranta on a fine sand beach, with Vierevänniemen nuotiopaikka and Vierevänniemen rantalentopallokenttä 4 kpl nearby; Vierevänniemen frisbeegolfrata sits a little farther along the shore section. Honkavaara rises above the lake—sources describe a climb through older spruce forest and wide views over Höytiäinen—then the path drops through rocky old-shore terrain that can feel almost coastal, with wind-sculpted pines and glacial shore features. A steeper stretch with stairs has an easier bypass variant marked in the terrain for those who prefer a gentler line(2). In the same Kirkonkylä area, the marked winter ski loop Kirkonkylän valaistu latu and the lit fitness loop Kirkonkylän valaistu kuntorata Kontiolahti share the sports-centre section of the shoreline network; the wider Kontiolahden hiihtoreitit network links into regional ski routes. Jakkilanvaaran luontopolku is a short separate hiking loop nearby if you want to add another walk on the same visit.

For forest-fire rules, winter access, step-by-step driving directions to both parking areas, and the full safety checklist, start with Visit Karelia’s Kolvananuuron luontopolku page(1). Play Kontiolahti’s long-form story from Matovaara and Uuronvaara adds on-the-ground notes on birdlife, the streamside character of the gorge floor, and how long to budget when the bottom is still wet or snowy(3). Retkipaikka hosts Luontopolkumies’s walk report from the Eno-side parking, with practical detail on steep rope sections, fallen trees along the tread, and how the Uuron reitti ring fits together(2). The trail is about 4.8 km as one continuous path on our map. Regional guides often describe the marked Kolvananuuro circuit at roughly 5–5.4 km and about two hours for fit hikers, while Play Kontiolahti suggests reserving about 4–6 hours if you move slowly on slippery cobbles in the gorge bottom(1)(3). The route is classed as demanding: very steep, rocky descents and climbs, narrow tread in places, and stones that stay treacherously slippery when wet or frost-slick(1)(2). Marking is orange and yellow paint symbols on trees and posts(1)(2). Many walkers follow the ring clockwise from the Koirilampi area(2). Kolvananuuro is a deep fault-line gorge on the Kontiolahti–Eno (Joensuu) boundary. Bedrock shifted here about 1.8 billion years ago; ice and water then carved the ravine that today drops between forested walls, with a small stream along much of the floor(1)(3). Sheltered microclimates let northern and southern plants grow side by side, and the bird community includes scarcer species such as Boreal owl and collared flycatcher(1). From the trailhead toward Pieni Koirilampi, about 1.6–1.8 km along the route, you reach Pieni Koirilampi kuivakäymälä uusi, Koirilampi tulentekopaikka uusi, and Pienen Koirilammen nuotiopaikka—dry toilet, fire ring, and a second campfire spot clustered at the small lake where Visit Karelia notes a lean-to shelter and easy approach from the Kontiolahti-side parking(1). Toward the end of the trail, Uuronvaara pysäköintialue offers parking on the Eno side; Visit Karelia gives separate turn-by-turn directions from Kontiolahti (Matovaarantie) and from Joensuu’s Eno via Kuusijärventie(1). The same junction area links into Kolvananuuro uuronreitti and onward to the long Kolinpolku Trail toward Koli National Park and Hautajärvi—useful if you are stitching together a longer North Karelia hike.

Karhunpolku – Jongunjoen eräkeskus yhdyspolku is a short point-to-point hiking link on the Karhunpolku network in Lieksa, North Karelia. The trail is about 5.3 km and connects the main Karhunpolku hiking route with the Jongunjoki / Nurmijärvi area, where Jongunjoen Matkailu and the Jongunjoki wilderness-centre services sit beside the long-distance trail. For the wider Karhunpolku story—border country, lakes, ridges, shelters, and how the full route is marked—start with Visit Karelia’s Karhunpolku hiking trail article(1). The City of Lieksa maintains Karhunpolku through its sports department and publishes contacts for reporting windthrow or shelter issues on the route network(2). Jongunjoen Matkailu describes road and rail access to the Nurmijärvi–Jongunjoki area and notes the property lies close to Karhunpolku for walkers and cyclists arriving under their own power(3). This segment is a practical connector: it lets you reach services, accommodation, and canoe hire near the Jongunjoki river without walking the entire 140 km Bear Trail. Where it meets the long hiking route, you can continue on Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) toward shelters and campfire places such as Jongunjoen laavu, or branch onto the parallel Karhunpolku mountain-bike line and shorter loops like Maastopyöräreitti Rukajärventien kierros. Older Lieksa route notes summarised on Visit Karelia have warned that yhdyspolku sections toward Nurmijärvi village could be unevenly maintained and spottily marked in places, with a real risk of losing the line without a proper map—treat marking as something to verify on the ground and confirm current status with the City of Lieksa before a standalone trip(1)(2). Terrain on Karhunpolku overall mixes forest, mires, and lake shores, with duckboards on wet ground and orange paint marking on the main line(1). Expect similar forest tread here, with roots, stones, and short steep pitches possible where the route crosses moraine and river banks. Mobile coverage is generally usable on Karhunpolku but pockets without signal remain possible in hollows(1).

The Kaavi section of the Koillis-Savon retkeilyreitti is a long-distance leg through forest and lake country between North Karelia and North Savo: on our map it is about 66.6 km as one continuous hiking path, point-to-point rather than a loop, starting from the Juuka area and running toward Kaavi. For the latest PDF maps and pointers to the wider Pohjois-Savon retkeilyreitistö, Kaavin kunta publishes outdoor route information and links to Retkikartta.fi for browsing regional trails(1)(5). The Kaavi Vaikkojoki pages on the same site describe Vaikkojoen luontomatkailualue—forests, lakes, and marked walking and cycling threads from Rakkinekoski and Makkarasärkkä, with a kota and laavut and the Vaikkojoen uiton muistomerkki—useful context for the same river corridor this regional hiking line follows(2). Telkkämäen luonnonsuojelualue sits right on the trace near Kaavi kirkonkylä: Luontoon.fi presents Metsähallitus-managed Telkkämäen perinnetila slash-and-burn heritage, year-round access to the yard and nature paths, summer opening hours for the buildings, and the Rietulan kierto interpretive loop around kask landscapes(3). Yle reported in 2020 how North Savo’s four sub-regional networks—including Koillis-Savo—were built with major public investment roughly two decades earlier as part of a province-wide trail programme, then partly neglected; the story matters for expectations: some stretches rely on forest roads and local maintenance, and signage can be patchy between municipalities(4). Treat Kaavin kunta and Retkikartta.fi as the practical anchors for closures and local notes(1)(5). Along the line, Luotosen uimapaikka offers a swimming spot a little off the main trace early on. Entering Kaavi, the route passes services such as Nuorisotalon liikuntasali Kaavi, Ulkoliikuntapuisto Kaavi, and school sports yards—handy if you stage a town resupply. The same block links Kaavin valaistu kuntorata and Paanalan latu where our geometry overlaps lit running and ski infrastructure. Near kilometre 10, Telkkämäki pysäköintialue is the natural access for Rietulan kierto, Telkkämäki kärrytie, and the short Retkeilypolku beside Telkkämäki lähde; dry toilets sit near Telkkämäki kuivakäymälä and Telkkämäki ulkohuussi. Further along the Vaikkojoki shore toward Kortteis, Kortteiskylän/Säynevirran uimapaikka marks another swimming pause. The same regional spine continues on our map as Koillis-Savon retkeilyreitti – Juankoski toward Pisa and Juankoski; plan joins and exits with both Kaavi and Kuopio-area pages when you stitch multi-day trips.

For trail facts and map context, Metsähallitus lists this route on Luontoon.fi as Joukonpolku ja Hyvän mielen polku in Nurmes(1). Visit Bomba describes the shore walk from Vajatie to the Vinkerlahti bird tower, parking shared with the small-boat harbour and Tyttöjen puisto, and views over Puu-Nurmes and the harbour—aimed at all walkers including families(2). An autumn trip account on Maailman äärellä praises the short walk for big shoreline scenery after the drive to Bomba country(3). The trail is about 0.5 km on our map along Vinkerlahti to the bird tower; walking back along the same line is a gentle outing on the order of a kilometre round trip(2). The tower is a natural turnaround: bring a warm drink or a picnic to pause upstairs while you scan the bay—binoculars help if you want a closer look at waterbirds(2)(3). Winter trail layers nearby include Kevätjääladut spring ice ski tracks and the Nurmeksen taajamaan moottorikelkkaura snowmobile corridor, which meet the Vajatie shoreline zone close to where this walk begins, so expect occasional winter motor and ski traffic in the wider harbour area even though this short footpath stays a calm stroll. Toward the route end, the line passes close to Nurmeskodin seniorikuntosali on Esantie—handy landmark if you are linking a town errand with the tower outing.

The trail is about 2 km in Joensuu, North Karelia, climbing through a small heritage forest on Hiidenvaara before a short return along road. For route copy, heritage-forest rules, and the Keskijärvi trailhead address, the City of Joensuu’s nature-trail pages are the place to start(1). Retkipaikka’s walk-through adds practical pacing, blue blaze detail, and how the climb lays out toward the viewpoint(2). Tervastulia’s spring 2016 day trip names the bird community, the small fen in the summit notch, and where laavus sit around Lake Ylinen if you want a fire after the walk(3). From the car park the path rises straight onto Hiidenvaara; the suggested circuit runs counter-clockwise with blue paint marks on trees and clearer signs at junctions(2)(3). The going is steep in the first few hundred metres but the footbed stays straightforward underforest without long rock or root stretches(2). Six boards along the forest leg interpret the heritage-forest idea, Metso-related protection, and local plants and wildlife per the on-trail text(2). The high point offers a bench-like viewpoint over ridge-and-lake country to the northeast and east with a landscape board and visitor books in a mailbox(2). After the descent you finish along Hiidenvaarantie beside lakeside cottages for the remaining distance back to parking(2). The city lists no maintained campfire on this loop; nearby laavus are separate short drives or walks(1)(3).

Lehmonharju Trail is a short ridge hike in Kontiolahti, on the boundary with Joensuu in North Karelia. The trail is about 1.6 km and follows a forested esker beside the Lehmo sports area, where the City of Kontiolahti groups it with the wider Harjupolut network on Lehmonharju and Utranharju(1). Yle reported Harjupolut as a new marked route for mountain biking and running on those ridges, tying into the larger Joensuu-region path network(3). Visit North Karelia’s Lehmonharju page focuses on the pink-marked mountain-bike profile, connections to Onkilampi Trail and Jaama Trail, and practical access from the sports field and Hotel Julien(2). Play Kontiolahti hosts a QR-code nature adventure game along Lehmonharju Trail and Onkilampi Trail for families and school-age visitors(4). From the trail you are right next to everyday sports facilities that appear on our map: Lehmon liikuntahalli and Lehmon liikuntahallin kuntosali, Lehmon tekonurmikenttä and Lehmon nurmikenttä, Lehmon ulkokuntosali, Julien pallokenttä, and Lehmon treeniportaat—useful if you want to combine a ridge walk with stairs training or ball sports. The same ridge links to other Harjupolut hiking trails such as Onkilampi Trail and Monttu Trail, to the lit Lehmonharjun valaistu kuntorata and Lehmonharjun ladut in winter, and onward to Jaama Trail and the regional ski and bike networks(1)(2)(3). Utranharjun laavu appears on neighbouring routes for longer day loops. Terrain on the ridge is short but punchy: official copy for the wider Harjupolut set stresses varied ups and downs on forest trails; spring thaw can leave paths soft until they dry(2)(3). For helmets and bike-specific safety notes on the shared network, see the same regional page(2).

Siikakoski 3 km loop is a short marked circuit in the Ruunaa hiking area south of Lieksa in North Karelia. Metsähallitus lists this exact variant as the Siikakosken lenkki 3 km connection trail on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia describes the wider Siikakoski day-hike options along Lieksanjoki: riverbank walking, the Siikakoski bridge with views over the rapids, spruce and pine forest, and duckboard crossings through colourful open bogs(2). Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies walk-through of the Siikakoski loops—written for the longer ring—notes yellow paint on trees, a pale pink circle symbol on trail signs, good map boards, and several campfire and lean-to stops where you can break the walk into shorter legs(3). On this loop you stay in the same landscape: about a kilometre in, the Murrookoski stretch brings Murrookosken laavu and campfire spots near the river; a little further, Uittopato and Murroopuro add more fire sites on narrow forest paths and boardwalks. Near the Siikakoski bridge, Horkan laavu and the Siikakoski laavu sit close to Horkka pysäköintialue and the Siikakoski parking areas—handy for combining a break with views of the rapids. The route shares the Siikakoski trailhead roads and signage with the longer Siikakosken lenkki 5 km; if you want a bigger day, you can follow that trail on from the same network(2)(3). Lieksa lies in eastern Finland; Ruunaa is known for canoeing and rafting on the Ruunaa rapids as well as hiking.

Rönkönkierros is a short, point-to-point walk of about 0.6 km along the Lieksanjoki rapids corridor in the Ruunaa state hiking area, between the Hongikkoranta–Kattilaniemi service cluster and the Neitikoski–Kirppuvirta shore at the east end. Lieksa is the gateway town in North Karelia for this valley. For markings, seasonal issues, and services on the wider 22+ km loop that shares these shoreline stops, start from the Luontoon.fi trail page for Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros(1). From west to east the line passes Ämmäkoski tulentekopaikka 2 and Ämmäkoski esteetön tulentekopaikka 1 beside the side channel, then continues toward Kirppuvirta veneenlaskupaikka and the Neitikoski fireplaces beside Neitikoski pysäköintialue. Before or after the shore section you can use Hongikkoranta tulentekopaikka and the Kattilaniemi laavu with Kattilaniemi tulentekopaikka — handy if you start from Hongikkoranta pysäköintialue. Dry toilets sit at Hongikkoranta kuivakäymälä and Kattilaniemi kuivakäymälä near those sites. VisitKarelia’s Neitijärven kierros description notes a demanding, well-marked long loop with maintained rest spots, suspension bridges elsewhere on the rapids route, and a boat crossing at Airovirta on the full circuit — useful background when you join or leave this short segment(2). For an on-the-ground feel of the Neitikoski shore (boardwalks, viewing decks, and fireplace rhythm), Luontopolkumies’s piece on Retkipaikka walks the nearby accessible shore route and matches the same parking and rapid scenery(3). If you want a full day on marked paths in the same valley, continue onto Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros, which shares several of these stopping points.

The trail is about 0.1 km as a short loop on Ukko-Koli in Koli National Park, in Lieksa, North Karelia. It is practical rather than scenic: it stitches the busiest visitor pocket—Koli Relax Spa, Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus, Kolin luontokeskus Ukko, and Pääministerin tulentekopaikka—to Koli pysäköintialue 1 and Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3 when you prefer a few steps on foot instead of riding the hill access lift. Metsähallitus gathers arrival and parking rules for the park on Luontoon.fi, including how drivers reach the hilltop zones(1). Koli.fi reminds hikers that dozens of marked lines radiate from this fell area, with exposed cliffs that deserve care in any weather(2). Koli Spa’s arrival notes outline the free funicular from the P1 parking plateau to the hotel forecourt and the stairway beside it that serves as a walking connection when winter conditions allow—useful background if you park on the plateau and still need a link past the buildings(3). Because the path is so short, most people use it as a shuttle between cars, services, and longer circuits: Huippujen Kierros begins right at the nature centre cluster, Ukko-Koli itärinne reitit threads east from the same parking neighbourhood, and Sataman polku links toward the harbour cafés and jetties. Read more on our pages for Kolin luontokeskus Ukko, the spa, the ski hill, and the Prime Minister’s campfire spot when you plan a longer day around the peaks.

For trailhead parking, the Viklinrimmen nature reserve setting, and how visitors are directed into the Ruvaslahti area, start with the City of Polvijärvi outdoor destinations pages(1). Metsähallitus summarises Viklinrimpi as a mosaic of open mires and dry pine ridges beside Lake Höytiäinen’s headwaters, with strong value for migratory birds and a state-maintained lean-to used for nearby recreation(2). Retkiseikkailu’s Polvijärvi route list points readers back to the municipality for the marked Viklinrimmen walking network and is handy when you are comparing day-hike distances in the same corner of North Karelia(3). Broader regional browsing and map layers for eastern Finland sit on Visit Karelia’s outdoor site, which the municipality links for province-wide planning(4). Tiaissärkkä Trail is about 4.1 km as a point-to-point hike in Polvijärvi, North Karelia. The route begins at Tiaissärkän laavu, a natural first stop for a snack, shelter from weather, and planning the next leg along the path. Terrain in the wider Viklinrimmen Natura area is famously flat to gently rolling mire and ridge forest; the reserve’s open fens can host large numbers of resting songbirds during migration, which is why the official destination text calls out birdwatching alongside walking(1)(2). On other marked visitor routes in the reserve, the City of Polvijärvi describes duckboarded approaches that end at a raised viewing deck—worth combining with this trail if you want a structured lookout over the wetland tapestry(1). Rauanjoki cuts through the protected forests as a quiet canoe corridor in spring and late summer according to Metsähallitus background materials(2). Keep wetland margins fragile: stay on marked paths where they exist, carry out litter, and treat shelters and fire rules the way you would in any shared Natura landscape(1)(2). Polvijärvi lies on the northern side of the Höytiäinen watercourse system; Pohjois-Karjala gives the wider eastern Lakeland character for the outing.

Elovaara Nature Trail is about 1.5 km as a loop on the Elovaara outdoor area in Hammaslahti, south of Joensuu in North Karelia. The City of Joensuu maintains the Elovaara nature trails together with a separate ridge route, Elovaaran harjupolku; for markings, services, and addresses, start with the city’s Luontopolut ja retkeilyreitit pages(1). Metsähallitus lists Elovaaran harjupolku on Luontoon.fi as part of the national outdoor catalogue(2). The trail sits on the Second Salpausselkä ridge: terrain is fairly easy underfoot but rolling, with deep, lush ravines (suppa) and mixed forest typical of the area(1)(3). About a third of a kilometre along the loop you reach Elovaaran luontopolun laavu with a campfire place—see our page for the lean-to for practical detail. Information boards and duckboards appear along the walk, and the route is marked with yellow paint(1). You can combine this loop with Elovaaran harjupolku for a longer outing on the same hill; that route shares Elovaaran esteetön avokota and the same lean-to area near the junctions between loops(2). A very short connector, Harjupolku Joensuu, also links the same rest points if you are piecing together options from the map. Retkipaikka’s walk-through of the wider Elovaara area highlights the geological setting, berry picking near Kontkasenlampi, and how busy the trails can feel on fine weekends—worth reading for atmosphere and seasonal detail(3). Suden Saaga describes linking Luontopolku and Harjupolku into roughly four kilometres of hilly ridge walking, benches along the way, and typical spring tick awareness in open terrain(4).

Kattilakoski connecting trail is about 1.1 km as a short point-to-point link in Metsähallitus(1) Ruunaa recreation area in Lieksa, North Karelia. It starts from the KATTILAKOSKI eräkämppä area beside the Lieksanjoki rapids and runs toward the Murroojärvi shore, where the trail network meets the rowing-boat crossing and the Murroojärvi lean-to and campfire spots. Ruunaa is a state-maintained hiking and fishing landscape along the Lieksanjoki; Kattilakoski is one of the named rapids in the Ruunaankosket chain between Neitijärvi, Kattilajärvi, and Murroojärvi. Visit Karelia(2) describes the long Karhunpolku hiking and mountain-bike route that passes through this same countryside with orange paint marks and many rest places; this connector sits on that wider route system, so you can use it as a short leg or as part of a longer day. After a few hundred metres you reach Vastuuniemi ylitysvene, where a fixed rowing boat is used to cross the narrow strait toward Murroojärvi. Kävelystä ja elämästä(3) notes that life jackets are provided at the boat, that the boats are sturdy wooden rowboats with a winch to pull them ashore, and that the crossing is straightforward for adults in normal conditions. On the Murroojärvi side the route passes Murroojärvi tulentekopaikka and Murroojärven laavu; a Murroojärvi kuivakäymälä sits nearby. Luontoon.fi(4) lists Murroojärvi laavu as a Metsähallitus lean-to in the Ruunaa area. The same blog walk(3) describes wide, well-kept duckboards and clear signposts on longer Murroojärvi circuits in this forest-and-shore setting. Lieksa lies in eastern North Karelia; combined train and bus access from Joensuu is summarised on regional outdoor pages(2). For closures, campfire rules during forest-fire warnings, and the latest service situation in Ruunaa, rely on Metsähallitus(1) and arrival guidance for Ruunaa on Luontoon.fi.

Patvinkierto is about a 25.2 km hiking circuit through Patvinsuo National Park in Ilomantsi, North Karelia. The terrain is mostly easy walking on duckboards and forest paths across open bogs and mixed pine, spruce, and deciduous woodland, with views toward Lake Koitere in places. Metsähallitus publishes up-to-date route information, including the hand-operated cable ferry at Nälmänjoki and when it is out of service, on the Patvinkierto trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia’s Patvinsuo guide describes the atmosphere, safety, and kit list for the park and rates this circuit as easy overall with about eight hours of walking for the full loop(2). Along the route you pass clustered rest places rather than a single trailhead story. Near the start of the traced route, Teretti luontotorni and Teretin lintutorni sit above the bogs for birdwatching and wide views, with Teretinniemen laavu, Teretti laavu, Teretti telttailualue, Teretti tulentekopaikka, and a dry toilet grouped in the same cape area. About 4 km along, Majaniemi telttailualue, Majaniemi tulentekopaikka, and Majaniemi kuivakäymälä form a tentsite and campfire stop on the Koitere shore fringe. Pirskanlampi telttailuarea, Pirskanlampi tulentekopaikka, and Pirskanlampi kuivakäymälä offer another overnight and lunch cluster on open mire roughly mid-circuit. The Nälmänjoki lautta is a lightweight cable ferry for walkers; check Luontoon.fi before a trip because it is usually not used from late autumn to early spring when ice forms(1). Later, Lahnalampi pysäköintialue is the main car park many day visitors use, with Lahnalampi pysäköintialue kuivakäymälä beside it, and Lahnasuon lintulava sits on a side path for more birdwatching. Near the northern arc, Nälmänjoki tulentekopaikka, Nälmänjoki telttailualue, and Nälmänjoki kuivakäymälä wrap up the Koitere-side camping options before the trace closes back toward Teretti. The same hub links into longer hiking: Susitaival shares the Teretti shelters and continues as a long east–west trekking axis through the park. Where you meet the Suomu end of Nälmänpuro - Suomu reitti, you can branch toward Suomu talo and Suomu pysäköintialue if you are combining days around Patvinsuo. For a shorter approach to Teretti, Kurkilahti - Teretti reitti runs from Kurkilahti pysäköintialue; Jokivaarankangas - Majaniemi reitti reaches Majaniemi from Jokivaarankangas pysäköintialue. Retkipaikka’s overnight report from Patvinsuo stresses how long the open bog boardwalks feel on the second day, why counter-clockwise from Lahnalampi suits some groups, and how the Red border-guard range edge markers are soon left behind on that direction(3).

Surmilampi Trail is a demanding, roughly 6.4 km segment of the Kinttupolut network in Liperi, North Karelia. The Municipality of Liperi describes it as technical mountain-biking and trail-running terrain: mostly narrow singletrack with rocks, roots, and steep ups and downs(1). For the latest closures—forestry work near Pärnävaara has affected this line and Kinttupolut / Heinälampi Trail—and rules for dogs, campfires, and winter use of ski bases, rely on the Municipality of Liperi’s Kinttupolut pages(1). Visit Karelia notes that the route is marked in turquoise and shares the same junction near Pieni Heinälampi, laavu as Kinttupolut / Heinälampi Trail and the start of the violet-marked Kinttupolut - Yhdysreitti toward Lykynlampi(2). The trail is a logical continuation of the Heinälampi pond area: after about 0.8 km you reach Pieni Heinälampi, laavu, then roughly 2 km in Heinälampi, laavu ja kotus at the larger Heinälampi ponds, and toward the far end Surmilammen laavu sits in the Surmilampi area—three lean-tos for breaks and meal stops along the line(1). The same corridor ties into Kinttupolut - Pesävaara Trail and the connector toward Lykynlampi; winter ski lines such as Niinivaaran lenkki and Pärnävaara-Lykynlampi yhdyslatu pass near Surmilammen laavu, so expect occasional shared tread and other users in season(1). Together with Jaama Trail and Kontionpolut, the Joensuu-region signposted trails reach on the order of two hundred kilometres; Yle reported the completion of the wider 65 km Kinttupolut ring network for walking, running, and mountain biking(1)(4). Choose this line if you already ride or run technical forest singletrack; easier options on the same network use wider ski-base or gravel links(1)(2).

Metsähallitus manages the Ruunaa hiking area, and the Koskikierros trail page on Luontoon.fi is the right place to double-check route facts, area rules, and any seasonal restrictions before you go(1). VisitKarelia classifies Koskikierros as a demanding round-trip style hike of about 32 km in the rapids landscape and recommends rubber boots or sturdy boots, warm layers, and insect protection in season(2). Via Karelia summarizes the Ruunaa rapids strip as one of eastern Finland’s flagship outdoor destinations and notes that Koskikierros crosses the river on suspension bridges at Haapavitja in the north and Siikakoski in the south, with shorter marked options elsewhere in the same network(3). The trail on our map is about 32.1 km through Lieksa in North Karelia. It strings together lake shores, rapids, and patches of old-growth spruce, pine heaths, and open mire on duckboards and small footbridges. From the Onkilampi cluster at the northern end you have Onkilampi tulentekopaikka, Onkilammen laavu - Pankakoski, and easy access toward Neitijärvi veneenlaskupaikka within the first few kilometres. Around Lakkapäänlahti and Paasikoskentie the line passes Lakkapäänlahti pysäköintialue, Lakkapäänlahden nuotiopaikka, and then Neitisaaren laavu, Neitisaari tulentekopaikka, and Neitikoski tulentekopaikka 1 and 2 with Neitikoski pysäköintialue close by if you start from the Neitikoski service area. Ämmäkoski esteetön tulentekopaikka 1 and Hongikkoranta tulentekopaikka sit along the noisy rapids; Kattilaniemi laavu and Kattilaniemi tulentekopaikka make a natural lunch stop before the rowboat crossings Naukuniemi ylitysvene and later Vastuuniemi ylitysvene, where pulling across short stretches of water cuts distance compared with walking both banks. Near Murroojärvi you pass Murroojärven laavu, KATTILAKOSKI eräkämppä, Niskalahti tulentekopaikka, Murrookosken laavu, Siikakoski laavu facing Siikakoski tulentekopaikka, and Horkan laavu as dense day-use options. Climbing to Huuhkajanvaara luontotorni is a short but steep, rocky side trip with views over Neitijärvi; treat the steps with care, especially when wet(2). NEITIJÄRVI Juolukka vuokrakämppä, NEITIJÄRVI Pilvi vuokrakämppä, and NEITIJÄRVI Puolukka vuokrakämppä offer bookable cabins at the east end of Neitijärvi. Saunaniemen laavu and Saunaniemi tulentekopaikka form a common overnight cluster before you curve back through Miikkulanvaara pysäköintialue and Mutikaisenkari pysäköintialue toward the northern rapids again. Bear Trail (Karhunpolku) runs as a long-distance hiking route through the wider Ruunaa area toward Patvinsuo National Park, and Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros offers a shorter lake-and-rapids loop on the same maintained network if Koskikierros feels long for one day(3)(4). Sydän rinnassa, reppu selässä writes about walking Koskikierros over two days from Neitikoski, camping at Saunaniemen laavu, and savouring Haapavitja’s suspension bridge, Mustapyörre tulentekopaikka, and the long Siikakoski bridge before returning along forest and mire(4). That pacing matches how many people treat the trip as an overnight rather than a single push. The route is also used by mountain bikers; give each other space on narrow sections(2). Rapids fishing is possible at named spots such as Haapavitja, Neitikoski, Murrookoski, and Siikakoski when regulations and permits allow(2).

Jaama Trail is a long-distance outdoor network around Joensuu and Kontiolahti that is widely promoted as a roughly 60 km ring combining lake shores, ridges, and urban greenways. The hiking line on our map is about 17.6 km as one continuous path through Joensuu, not a full loop. Joensuu lies in North Karelia. For how the whole ring is waymarked, where to start if you tackle the full circuit, and what services sit along the wider route, begin with Visit Joensuu’s Jaama Trail page(1). Visit Karelia’s Jaama article, prepared with City of Joensuu input, adds detail on orange markings, beaches and shelters on the full ring, and links into Harjupolut, Lykynpolut, Kinttupolut, and Kontionpolut(2). The City of Joensuu lists Jaama Trail on its nature and hiking trails hub and publishes a downloadable 60 km overview map(3). Along this 17.6 km urban segment, the line ties together places you can already open on our map: it leaves the Noljakka outdoor cluster near Noljakan frisbeegolfrata and Noljakan hiihtomaa, passes Erkinpellon pallokenttä, then runs toward Höytiäisen kanava and Aavarantan uimaranta. Further on you reach Linnunlahden uimaranta, Laulurinteen hiihtomaa, and Joensuun curlingrata at Mehtimäki, then Honkaniemen uimaranta on the way toward Utra. Around Utra the route passes Utran frisbeegolfrata and Utran ulkokuntoilualue before turning toward Pataluoto and Rantakylä, where Rantakylän uimahalli and several outdoor rinks and ball fields sit beside the line. Past Karsikon uimaranta and Mutalan ulkokuntoilualue, the path approaches the centre and harbour edge with Ilosaaren uimaranta, Penttilän kuntoportaat, and Kirkko-/Koivuniemenpuiston frisbeegolfrata before finishing near Tiedepuiston / Louhelan Woiman kuntosali. In short, it is a practical city training and day-trip corridor where swimming beaches, ski stadiums, disc golf, and indoor sports buildings sit just off the same marked network. Official material describes the full Jaama ring as marked with orange dots and wooden guide posts, with map boards along the way; in built-up areas wayfinding can be patchy, so carrying the city’s paper map or using GPS is recommended(2). Via Karelia notes that much of the broader Jaama tour uses roads and paths suited to cycling as well as walking(4).

Koppala Primeval Forest Nature Trail is a roughly 3 km marked hiking trail through the Koppalo ancient-forest reserve in Petrovaara, Juuka, in North Karelia—about a ninety-minute drive northeast from Joensuu. For brochures, the InfoGIS map layer, and the latest local guidance, the City of Juuka’s Koppalon luontopolku page is the right place to start(1). Karjalainen’s 2023 local feature highlights how unusually varied and species-rich this small reserve feels for the Juuka area(3). Luontopolkumies’ Retkipaikka walk-through adds on-the-ground detail: red paint marks on trees, a lean-to and campfire spot very close to the start, a climb onto Pitkävaara with a view toward Pitkälampi, duckboards across wet mires, rocky steps between small lakes, and a footbridge where information boards mention beavers and nearby dams(2). The route is not a loop: it follows about 3 km of marked path from the roadside trailhead to the far end along forest roads and path. Many people walk out and back on the same line for roughly 6–7 km in total; one detailed trip measurement logged about 6.5 km and a little over two hours including breaks(2). The City of Juuka also describes an optional longer loop of about 6.5 km that combines the nature trail with forest roads for those who want a full circuit(1). Along the way you move between old-growth character forest, prescribed-burn and rocky patches, small ponds, and several mire types—from poor pine bogs to richer fens—before returning toward the road. About 2.9 km from the start you pass Koppelon luontopolun laavu, a good place to pause; a shorter connecting hiking route in the same network, Polvelan Koppelon lsa. Luontopolku, also uses this lean-to. The trail is also known as Muurahaisenpolku (“Ant Trail”), a name the municipality and local press both use for the same path(1)(3). Juuka lies in North Karelia; there is no practical public transport to the trailhead, so most visitors arrive by car(2).

Pesävaara Trail is a demanding branch of Liperi’s Kinttupolut network in North Karelia. The City of Liperi maintains the full trail system (about 65 km across seven linked circuits) and publishes GPX files, safety rules, and maintenance notices on its Kinttupolut pages(1). Visit North Karelia hosts a dedicated Pesävaara page—produced with Liperi—with step-by-step access from Veteläsuontie 4, recommended clockwise travel on the forest loop, and practical safety notes for wet rock and roots(2). The hiking route is about 7.4 km. Official pages often round to roughly 7.3–7.5 km for the same line. The trail shares its line with the mountain-biking Pesävaara branch, so expect two-way traffic and give way where sight lines are short(1). The route is classified as demanding: it climbs and drops about 210 m in total, with a high point near 141 m and a low point near 82 m on the published profile(2). Terrain alternates by section—roughly two kilometres of rockier, more technical singletrack, about three kilometres of somewhat easier forest path, and roughly two kilometres of easier forest roads and cart tracks—through spruce stands, pine ridges, and younger mixed forest(2). Glacial hollows (suppa pits) appear along the ridges as deep depressions formed when ice blocks melted into the soil(2). Early on from the Vaivio side you pass Salmilammen uimapaikka, Vaivio—a swimming spot with an address on Veteläsuontie 4—where many people pause before the climb. Farther along, near the Heinälampi ponds, Heinälampi, laavu ja kotus offers a lean-to shelter and kota for breaks; dry toilets are available at the maintained rest points in this area(1). The same junction area links to other Kinttupolut branches: you can continue toward Surmilampi on the Surmilampi Trail, use the Yhdysreitti connector toward Lykynlammi and the wider Joensuu-region trail network, or shorten the day on the shorter Heinälampi Trail variants(1). Restaurant Gaiju in Vaivio village is often mentioned for meals after a ride or hike—check current hours on their own site before planning a stop(2). Liperi lies a short drive east of Joensuu. North Karelia’s forest-and-lake terrain shows in the mix of rocky humps, esker woods, and short road links—take care on wet roots and stones after rain(1)(2).

For national park rules, trail descriptions, and service pages covering Patvinsuo, Metsähallitus publishes the main hiking and outdoor recreation material on Luontoon.fi(1). The trail lies in Lieksa in North Karelia, on Patvinsuo National Park ground at the Suomu–Surkanpuro service end of the park. The Surkanpuro–Olkkonen trail is about 1.7 km point-to-point. One end is the Surkanpuro pysäköintialue and Surkanpuro matkailuvaunualue pair at the river mouth, with space for cars and caravans and a corner picnic table setup described in independent walk notes(3). The other end ties into the inland marked network toward Teretti and the Olkkosensaari area, where longer bog-and-pine circuits branch off. Visit Karelia lists Surkanpuro pysäköintialue among the standard access points for the Suomu Lake circuit (Suomunkierto), alongside Suomu and Kurkilahti(2). From the same corner, Patvinskierto retkeilyreitti, Suomu Lake circuit (Suomunkierto), Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti), and the Maastopyöräreitti Ruunaa-Reposuo-Ritojärvi-Patvinsuo mountain bike corridor meet the paths documented here—handy if you are stitching a multi-day tour or a shorter day loop from the parking pocket. Retkipaikka’s Olkkosen kierros article—written around Luontopolkumies’s visit—starts from Surkanpuro pysäköintialue, mentions the faded information board beside the corner, and describes orange-yellow paint blazes on the onward paths toward Olkkosensaari loops(3). elinanmatkalaukussa recounts a midsummer link from Kurkilahti past Teretti toward Olkkosen and back out to Surkanpuro parking, through pine forest, open mire, and boardwalk sections typical of this park(4). Expect mosquitoes in summer; regional guidance recommends insect protection and leashed dogs(2).

Neitijärvi loop (Ruunaa) is about 23.1 km of marked hiking through the Ruunaa state hiking area in Lieksa, North Karelia, weaving lake shores, old-growth pockets, and Lieksanjoki river scenery around Neitijärvi. Metsähallitus maintains the route network; the Luontoon.fi trail page(1) is the place to double-check markings, seasonal rules, and any changes to river crossings. VisitKarelia’s article on this hike(2) summarises the demanding character of the day, typical timing, and kit. From the first kilometre you pass Korpiniemi tulentekopaikka, Korpiniemen laavu, and dense shoreline forest where VisitKarelia and Suden Saaga both note striking anthills in the ancient forest feel(2)(3). Around Haapavitja tulentekopaikka a suspension bridge frames the rapid; Haapaniskan laavu, Haapaniska tulentekopaikka, and Kakkisen laavu sit nearby for longer breaks. Miikkulanvaara pysäköintialue is the first large parking strip if you join from the north-west arc. Neitijärvi veneenlaskupaikka marks where the trail meets the lake shore, then Onkilammen laavu - Pankakoski and Onkilampi tulentekopaikka anchor the Pankakoski shore segment. Kattilaniemi laavu and Kattilaniemi tulentekopaikka sit together before the Airovirta ylitysvene, where you pull yourself across the channel in a small hand-rope ferry; VisitKarelia points to the route brochure for the exact crossing routine(2). Airovirta tulentekopaikka marks the far bank. Hongikkoranta pysäköintialue, Hongikkoranta tulentekopaikka, Neitikoski pysäköintialue, and the fireplaces at Neitikoski tulentekopaikka 1 and Neitikoski tulentekopaikka 2 cluster the busy Neitikoski service area with Neitikosken parkkpaikka grillikatos for covered cooking. Neitisaaren laavu and Neitisaari tulentekopaikka lie on the island shore, while Paasikoskentie pysäköintialue, Lakkapäänlahden nuotiopaikka, and Lakkapäänlahti pysäköintialue offer another access band toward Miikkula laavu and Miikkula tulentekopaikka. Huuhkajanvaara luontotorni is the stiff climb of the day; the staircase and summit deck overlook Neitijärvi and reward the effort(2). NEITIJÄRVI Juolukka vuokrakämppä, NEITIJÄRVI Pilvi vuokrakämppä, and NEITIJÄRVI Puolukka vuokrakämppä line the eastern lake margin and are marketed commercially by Villi Pohjola alongside Via Karelia’s regional description(4). Saunaniemen laavu, Saunaniemi tulentekopaikka, and the Mutikaisenkari pysäköintialue close the south-eastern arc where Suden Saaga paused for a long lunch(3). The circuit shares tread with Ruunaa Koskikierros and Karhunpolku in places, and mountain bikers also use the marked network(2)(4). Suden Saaga describes yellow paint blazes on trees, sound picnic shelters, and courteous habits at the rope ferries: leave a boat ready on each bank so the next party is not stranded(3). Brown bears use the wider Ruunaa valley; Suden Saaga kept dogs leashed for respect and safety(3).

The trail is on the Koli Harbour shore on Lake Pielinen in Lieksa, in North Karelia. For itineraries, services, and links deeper into the Koli trail network, the City of Lieksa's hiking pages are a practical first stop(1). Metsähallitus describes the wider harbour walking area and the famous climb toward Ukko-Koli in the same visitor brochure(2), and national-park etiquette for dogs, fire rules, and seasonal closures around the peaks belongs on Luontoon.fi(3). Vanhan metsän polku is about 0.3 km and is not a loop. It stitches together the harbour front: you can start from Kolin sataman pysäköintialue, cross the small-boat harbour on Uimahuoneen kävelysilta, and step straight to Kolin satama Alamaja. Lieksa announced completion of a renewed harbour walking bridge in spring 2025 as part of a larger Pielinen waterway-access project(4); if you last visited years ago, expect newer decking and handrails but the same tight harbour views. Treat this strip as a quiet add-on before or after a longer day. UKK-reitti (Lieksa), Mattila - Vaaralanaho polku, Kasken kierros, and Kylän Polku all brush the same recreation cluster, so you can combine a few minutes here with kilometres on those networks. A few hundred metres inland, Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka and Mattila kaivo sit just off the walked line on the UKK corridor and make natural break spots if you are already walking that direction. Sataman polku is the demanding harbour-to-summit nature trail from the same parking idea; it climbs through the national park's oldest forest on Ipatinvaara and is a separate outing from this short connector(2). Underfoot you should expect a short harbour-edge path and boardwalk-style bridging rather than a backcountry tread. The segment is easy going for almost any footwear dry days; ice and wind on the bridge deck still deserve caution in shoulder seasons.

Rauanvaaran polku is a short, steep nature trail on Rauanvaara near Hammaslahti in Joensuu, North Karelia. The City of Joensuu publishes maps, marking notes, and access details in its Luontopolut ja retkeilyreitit outdoor listing(1). The same hill is grouped among nearby day-hike ideas in Karjalan Heili(3). Laura Juga’s write-up on Retkipaikka captures how the climb feels underfoot: mossy spruce forest, a sharp pull toward the top, and clear views toward Lake Pyhäselkä for sharp-eyed visitors(2). The trail is about 1.1 km. Rauanvaara reaches about 153.5 m above sea level and is described as the highest of the Pyhäselkä fells in municipal materials(1)(3). The route is marked with yellow paint in the forest(1)(2). After a gentle start from the parking area along Nivansalontie, the path bends closer to the road and then climbs steeply toward the summit area(2). Near the high ground you pass Rauanvaaran hyppyrimäki K50/K25, the old ski-jump structure that most locals associate with the hill(1)(2)(3). From the upper slopes you can descend either on the nature trail or via the ski-jump stairs; Retkipaikka notes the stairs can be slippery when wet but were otherwise in good condition at the time of that visit(2). There is no dedicated campfire or rest shelter on the route(1)(3). North Karelia’s lake-and-fell country shows up in miniature here: a quick climb and an open view over Pyhäselkä reward the effort.

Printed trail maps and Kirkonkylä route listings for Rääkkylä are published on Rääkkylä.fi(1). Visit Karelia’s Savilahti Trail page describes the shared trailhead services and how the Karelianpolut / Savilahti Trail ties in with Saviniemen luontopolku signage along the way(2). Saviniemi Nature Trail is about 4.2 km of walking through mixed forest near Kirkonkylä in Rääkkylä, North Karelia. The line follows gently rolling ground rather than a long climb. From the Saviniementie trailhead you are in the middle of the village sports cluster around Rääkkylän urheilukenttä and the school outdoor sites such as Koulun ulkoliikuntalaitteet before the path heads into quieter woods toward Savilahti. That makes it easy to combine a short hike with local ball fields, a disc line, tennis, or other neighbourhood recreation if you are already in the area. The same parking hub is the starting point for Karelianpolut / Savilahti Trail, which is described as a mountain-biking and jogging loop with sections on quiet gravel roads, forest paths, and the lit exercise track; Visit Karelia notes information boards for Saviniemen luontopolku along that bike line(2). On our map you can continue from this cluster to Kuismin luontopolku toward Kuismin laavu; Metsähallitus summarises that neighbour trail on Luontoon.fi(3). Lit Kirkonkylän valaistulatu, Kirkonkylän pururata, Kuntoilureitti Oravilahti, and Kuntoilureitti Paksuniemi sit nearby if you want a longer town fitness loop or winter ski track without moving the car.

For closures, route changes, and national-park rules before you head out, check the Koli National Park hiking and outdoor pages on Luontoon.fi(1). Those pages sit on Metsähallitus’ outdoor service together with the wider trail network descriptions for Lieksa and Koli National Park. Lieksa lies on the west shore of Lake Pielinen. North Karelia is known for Koli’s ridges and forest-and-lake scenery. The trail on our map is about 0.7 km long as one walking line. This entry is the short connector bundle—local “yhdyspolut”—that link the Paimenenvaara service cluster with the larger eastern Ukko-Koli trail network: you can continue onto Ukko-Koli eastern slope trails, Mäkrän Kierto, Kolinuuron Kierros, the main Paimenen polku circle trail, and in winter the Ukko-Koli ski trail corridor is routed in the same landscape matrix. It is not a separate themed loop; Metsähallitus publications and visitor write-ups describe the signature Paimenen polku nature trail as roughly 2.5–2.6 km on Paimenenvaara’s leafy hillside(2)(3). The 2006 route guide PDF is still useful background but Metsähallitus notes that Koli trail content was renewed in 2020–2023, so pair it with current Luontoon.fi material(2). Right beside the junction you have Paimenenvaaran tulentekopaikka and Paimenenvaara kuivakäymälä—handy if you are stitching this link into a longer day from Paimenenvaara pysäköintialue at Kotaniementie 10. For the character of the broader Paimenen polku loop, Retkipaikka hosts Luontopolkumies’ walk-through, which describes a steep climb, a wider level shelf (an old cart track feel), Paskovaara’s rocky opening toward Lake Jerö and Verkkovaara, duckboards in wet hollows, and orange circle route marks at junctions on that themed route(3). Koli.fi summarizes the national park’s extensive marked trail network and reminds that many viewpoints are open rock without railings(4). Via Karelia places the main Paimenen polku nature loop near Mäkräaho as part of the park’s ring-route family(5). Use our pages for Paimenenvaaran tulentekopaikka and Paimenenvaara kuivakäymälä for facility detail; for the skiing corridor see our Ukko-Kolin ladut route when you plan snow trips.

The trail is about 6.1 km as one walking line through the Koli recreation area and toward Ukko-Koli and the Pielinen shore. For closures, national-park rules, and the marked UKK segment in Lieksa municipality, see Luontoon.fi(1). Koli.fi presents Kolin luontokeskus Ukko as the year-round visitor gateway at the foot of the main trails, with staff tips for the wider roughly 80 km path network(2). Kolin kesäkahvilakierros is the slow, food-forward way to use the same forest tread as UKK-reitti (Lieksa): Koli24 describes it as a relaxed café circuit starting from Ryynänen, breakfasting village-side, stopping at Mattila’s timber-yard café for soup, then choosing refreshments at Luontokeskus Ukko’s Vakka-Kahvila or Sokos Hotel Koli, and finishing at the Alamaja harbour restaurant above the water—useful planning detail even though some published lengths round a little higher than our line(3). In our data the day begins at the Kolin virkistysalueen cluster: Kolin virkistysalueen ulkokuntosali, Ryynänen sauna, Kolin virkistysalueen laavu, and Kolin kylän frisbeegolfrata sit within a few hundred metres of one another. About half a kilometre along you can use Ollila pysäköintialue if you are shuttling by car. The Mattila–Turula heritage band appears near Mattila kaivo with Turula telttailualue, Turula tulentekopaikka, Turulan tulentekopaikka, and Turula kuivakäymälä for tents, fires, and dry toilets. Vaaralanaho kuivakäymälä and Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka mark the rise toward Vaaralanaho before the route drops toward national-park services. The Ukko-Koli end of the line brings Koli pysäköintialue 1, Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3, Koli Relax Spa, Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus, Kolin luontokeskus Ukko, and Pääministerin tulentekopaikka into one compact resort zone. Uimahuoneen kävelysilta leads toward Kolin sataman pysäköintialue and the seasonal harbour café Kolin satama Alamaja. The same geometry connects to Kasken kierros, Kylän Polku, Sataman polku, and Mattila – Vaaralanaho polku if you want to extend the day(3). The UKK long-distance network behind this slice is a separate story: Trekkari’s research notes 1980s planning that tied the Vuokatti–Koli corridor to the UKK name, with press-era milestones for the national project(4). That context explains paint and signposting you meet in forest, not the café stops themselves.

The Suomu Lake circuit is about 16.1 km in Lieksa, North Karelia, following marked paths around Suomunjärvi in Patvinsuo National Park. Metsähallitus publishes this hiking route on Luontoon.fi under Suomunkierto(1). Visit Karelia describes forest heath, mire and grove edges, sandy lake shores, and small forest brooks, with duckboards and footbridges on the wettest sections and shallow swimming beaches where families often slow down for a swim(2). Retkipaikka’s feature on the circuit quotes shoreline figures for Suomunjärvi and a relaxed weekend pace with sauna time at Suomu—worth reading for photos and how long a leisurely lap can take(3). Lieksa hosts the Suomu visitor area; Pohjois-Karjala is part of the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve mosaic that many English speakers associate with quiet boreal forest and lake country. About four kilometres into the hike from the northern trailhead arc you reach Aittoniemi kuivakäymälä near where Iso-Hietajärvi reitit and Mäntypolku branch toward shorter loops around open water and pine stands—handy if you want to add a side trip from the same Suomu hub. Roughly five to six kilometres along the shore band, Suomu luontotupa / sisämajoitus, Suomun luontotuvan keittokatos, Suomu leirintäalue keittokatos, Suomu telttailualue, Suomu rantasauna uusi kuivakäymälä, Suomu vuokrattava rantasauna, Suomu rantakaivo, Patvinsuo suomu pihakaivo, Suomu pysäköintialue, Suomu pysäköintialue ranta, Suomu talo, and Suomu kämpän sauna cluster as Patvinsuo’s main service island: indoor nature-hut space, rental sauna and cooking shelters, tent patches, wells, and two parking pockets within a few minutes’ walk of the beach. Read more about bookings and opening rhythms on our Suomu luontotupa / sisämajoitus page and related Suomu place pages; dry toilets sit with the shelters without needing to list every hut name twice. Past Suomu, Surkanpuro pysäköintialue and Surkanpuro matkailuvaunualue give river-mouth parking and caravan space, then Kurkilahti pysäköintialue and Kurkilahden keittokatos mark the southern bay pocket before the trail climbs back along forested banks. On the eastern shore, Virtaniemi kuivakäymälä, Virtaniemen nuotiopaikka, and Virtaniemi telttailualue offer a campfire and tent patch above the water. Nearer the north end, Pokkaniemen nuotiopaikka makes a natural lunch stop before Lapinniemi telttailualue Lieksa, Lapinniemen nuotiopaikka, Lapinniemi kuivakäymälä, Pokkaniemi kuivakäymälä, and Pokkaniemi telttailualue finish the lap toward the Litmontie shoreline. Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) shares segments with this shore route for travellers stitching multi-day tours through Patvinsuo. Independent writers note beaver activity, wetland birds, old pines, and occasional geocaches along the margins; keep dogs leashed and carry mosquito protection in summer, as regional guides recommend(2)(3).

Haapavitja parking connector trail is about 0.6 km point-to-point in the Ruunaa hiking area near Lieksa in North Karelia. Metsähallitus publishes maps, services, and visitor guidance for Ruunaa on Luontoon.fi(1). The short link ties the Haapavitja P-area service cluster to Miikkulanvaara parking so you can move on foot between those road access points without backtracking along the highway network. It sits inside one of Finland’s best-known whitewater and hiking destinations: Via Karelia describes about 50 km of marked trails and wooden paths, with a suspension bridge crossing at Haapavitja on the long Koskikierros ring around the rapids(2). Lieksa lies in North Karelia; this segment is only a connector, but it is useful if you park at one end and hike or ride onward on Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros. Visit Karelia’s Neitijärvi circuit notes the suspension bridge at Haapavitja opening onto rapid scenery, and that the 22.6 km marked loop partly overlaps other main trails while passing well-maintained rest sites(3). From the Haapavitja side you soon pass Haapavitja tulentekopaikka and Haapavitja kuivakäymälä. The wider Haapavitja rest cluster also includes Haapaniskan laavu plus Haapaniska tulentekopaikka, Haapaniska kuivakäymälä, Mustapyörre tulentekopaikka, and Mustapyörre kuivakäymälä a few hundred metres off the straight connector—enough for a meal or campfire stop before or after the short walk. At about 0.6 km you reach Miikkulanvaara pysäköintialue with Miikkulanvaara pysäköintialue kuivakäymälä, a natural place to start or finish a longer day on Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros. Treat this as forest walking between two busy access points: boots suited to rooty ground help after rain. An east-bank photo gallery by Jari Iivanainen helps you picture the boardwalk-and-rapids setting at Haapavitja before committing to a longer Ruunaa day(4).

Pamilonkoski Nature Trail is a circular hike of about 6 km south of Uimaharju in Joensuu, North Karelia, in the Palovaara–Pamilonkoski area on the Koitajoki river. The City of Joensuu describes the loop on its nature-trails and hiking-routes pages together with the longer blue-marked Ala-Koitajoki hiking route that starts from the same trailhead(1). The same trail is listed nationally on Luontoon.fi as Pamilonkosken luontopolku(2). For practical timing, elevation gain, and difficulty class, regional outdoor guidance suggests about 1 hour 50 minutes, roughly 58 m of ascent and 57 m of descent, and a demanding overall grade on natural paths(3). The red-marked nature loop shares the first kilometre along the Koitajoki shore with the blue-marked Ala-Koitajoen retkeilyreitti/Joensuu, then climbs toward Kirjovaara and old-growth forest reserves where beard lichens and many lichen species occur on protected slopes(3). Along the river you pass Pamilonkosken esteetön avokota and Kuusamonpyörteen laavu within the first kilometre from the start: both have campfire places and firewood provision, and the opening section to the first shelter is designed for barrier-free access(1)(3). Boards along the route explain local history and nature; sources mention on the order of seventeen information panels and highlights such as the Kuusamonpyörre pothole by the river and film history tied to the rapids(3)(4). The same parking area at Pamilontie is the start for the separate short Pamilonkosken esteetön reitti walking connection and for longer outings on Ala-Koitajoen retkeilyreitti/Joensuu toward shelters such as Kuusamonkosken laavu and Kalliokosken laavu further along the blue route. Retkipaikka’s walk-through by Luontopolkumies adds ground-level detail: red paint markings, a mix of wide and narrow forest path, some wet stretches and older duckboards, a short gravel link, and roughly seventy metres of gentle cumulative height change spread across the loop rather than one steep climb(4).

For rules, campfire bans, and the latest conditions in Koli National Park, start with Metsähallitus outdoor guidance on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit North Karelia’s Herajärvi materials describe the wider lakeside circuit as demanding, marked with blue paint and signposts, and best paired with a proper Koli hiking map and compass(2). This page is about a short connector on that network. The trail is about 2 km on our map. It is a point-to-point path in the southern Herajärvi shore area east of Koli: it ties Lakkala vuokratupa, Lakkala tulentekopaikka, and Lakkala telttailualue on Herajärven rantatie to the Seppälän tie pysäköintialue and the Seppälä vuokratupa, Seppälä tulentekopaikka, and Seppälä sauna cluster. On the large Herajärven kierros and Kiehisen kierros systems it is the practical link people use between the Lakkala farmyard services and Seppälä parking, before longer climbs toward Vesivaara and Karttusenlampi(1)(3). Luontoon.fi notes you can avoid the farthest southern swing through Rykiniemi and Vesivaara on Kiehisen kierros by using the Herajoentie bridge detour instead(1). The Herajärven kierros association’s route narrative flags Vesivaara (about 250 m above sea level) as one of the circuit’s signature viewpoint fells and describes roughly 150 metres of ascent spread across about one kilometre when approaching the summit from the road crossing at Herajoki(3). From Lakkala, day hikers share Lakkala tulentekopaikka and Lakkala telttailualue with hut guests; Eräluvat reminds renters that the Lakkala yard buildings themselves are reserved for the booking party while the maintained campfire and tent meadow stay open to others(4). Drinking water needs a little planning: the association narrative states Lakkala’s well is not for drinking and points walkers toward Seppälä’s well a couple of kilometres away or boiled lake water(3), while Eräluvat suggests carrying water or fetching it from Seppälän kaivo about 800 metres away and boiling it(4). About 900 metres into the walk from Seppälän tie pysäköintialue you reach that shore yard—use the parking area rather than driving into private hut yards(4). The meadow–forest transition before the steeper rise matches the association’s tale of strawberry-scented clearings and old sheep pastures around Seppälä(3). Where the main Herajärvi line meets the branch toward Honkapirtti varaustupa, the short Polku metsäpirtille leads toward Metsäpirtti vuokratupa and Honkapirtti sauna, with Honkapirtti käymälä part of the same shore cluster if you add that spur without committing to the full circuit day(3). North Karelia mixes forested shores with open hills, and Kontiolahti hosts this segment below the famous Koli uplands. Lake Herajärvi is the backdrop for the Lakkala cottages(3)(4). If you are stitching days on Herajärven kierros, see our page for herajarven kierros; Kiehisen kierros shares trailheads at Seppälä and uses white circle junction marking on its own loop described on Luontoon.fi(1). The 1000 kilometriä blog’s Herajärven kierros post adds a conversational on-the-ground perspective alongside the official maps(5).

Vekarus nature trail is about 2.3 km in the Vekarus recreation area roughly 16 km southeast of Tuupovaara village(4), in Joensuu, North Karelia. The walk threads forested banks beside Vekarusjoki with three runnable rapids—Myllykoski, Kalliokoski, and Vekaruskoski—in a compact circle of water and spruce scenery the City of Joensuu highlights as one of its finest local nature sites(1). Visit Karelia’s trail page, maintained with Joensuu, adds practical safety notes for the remote setting, the suspension bridge at Myllykoski, and firewood-serviced shelters(2). Right after the start you pass Vekaruskosken esteetön kota—an accessible kota and fire spot where the route meets the short Vekaruksen esteetön reitti walking connection(1). About a kilometre along the river you reach Myllykosken laavu - Tuupovaara, set on a rocky spur between rapids with a suspension bridge crossing nearby; the lean-to, fire ring, woodshed, and dry toilet there make it a memorable break(2)(3). Mid-loop, Vekaruksen laavu offers another sheltered stop before you approach Vekaruksen varaustupa, a bookable rental cabin with lakeside sauna, cooking shelter, and jetty described on municipal and regional pages(1)(2). Read more about fees, keys, and sauna use on our pages for Vekaruksen varaustupa and the other shelters, and check the City of Joensuu Vekarus pages for the latest openings(1). The trail partly shares the corridor of Paimenpojan polku, a much longer trek toward Hoilola marked in the same orange paint; from this knot you could continue on that roughly 36.6 km route past additional lean-tos, a bird tower, and cultural stops if you want a multi-day link-up(1). Retkipaikka’s walk-through by Luontopolkumies notes roughly ten nature info boards on fish, birds, berries, and stream life, a wide dry footpath in places, and alternating spruce, pine, birch, and rocky riverside tread under orange blazes(3). Joensuu notes the rope ferry on Paimenpojan polku across Jänisjoki began service on 16 May 2025—that matters only if you extend onto the long trail, not on the short Vekarus circuit(1).

Kulkijanpolku is a 24 km point-to-point hiking trail in Ilomantsi, North Karelia. It forms the link in the 90–91 km Pogostan kierros circuit between the southern Susitaipale section of Susitaival and Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti toward Petkeljärvi. Visit North Karelia’s Pogostan kierros guide describes this segment as mostly forest roads and easier paths, with orange paint blazes and signposts along the whole Pogostan kierros network(1). The City of Ilomantsi maintains municipal hiking trails and trail-side rest spots during the main hiking season from late May through late October, when ferry assists on Susitaipale sections are also operated where applicable(2). Visit Ilomantsi notes that Kulkijan polku was completed in 2015 and was designed with mountain bikers in mind, unlike the older Susitaival, Taitajan taival, and Rajan polku sections that were planned primarily for hiking(3). The trail is about 24 km end to end. Along the line you pass Kallioniemi, Koitajoki veneenlaskupaikka a little over a kilometre from one end—handy if you combine hiking with paddling on Koitajoki. About nine kilometres along, Kiieskankaan laavu sits beside the forest road section described in regional turn-by-turn notes. Roughly seventeen kilometres in, Ölkönlampi laavu offers another sheltered stop before the route reaches Särkkäjärven uimapaikka Ilomantsi and Särkkäjärven autiotupa at the Susitaival junction. From there you can continue on Susitaival toward longer stages, or join Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti from the Hatuntie / Kallioniemi end toward Petkeljärvi National Park services. The Putkela–Harkkojärvi snowmobile route shares short links with the same landscape in places; Susitaival is the main summer hiking connection at Särkkäjärvi. Terrain on this segment is mostly moderate, mixing wide forest tracks and narrower forest paths; occasional short boardwalks cross wet lines, and some stretches follow gravel roads. The wider Pogostan kierros is rated demanding overall because of steep esker climbs and rocky steps elsewhere on the loop, but this connecting section is written up as comparatively straightforward riding and walking(1). Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in the forests—carry a map or GPX and plan for self-sufficiency(1).

The Aconitum Circuit is about 6.1 km of hiking around Kirkkoniemi in Tohmajärvi, North Karelia. It is named for northern monkshood (Aconitum septentrionale, lehtoukonhattu), Tohmajärvi’s municipal flower, which grows in the protected herb-rich forest at Piilovaara. For toilets, the downloadable PDF map, and notes on the well beside the trail, start with the City of Tohmajärvi’s hiking and trails pages(1). Visit Tohmajärvi places the route in the same Kirkkoniemi outdoor area as the Karelianpolut bike trails and the swimming beach(2). The trail is a circuit through lakeshore forest, meadows, and cultural land around the Kirkkoniemi peninsula. Via Karelia describes the church parking at Kirkkotie 590 as the main start, a short side branch to Peijonniemenlahden lintutorni for birdwatching over Peijonniemenlahti, and the Piilovaara monkshood site with an information board and benches(3). After Piilovaara the line passes an old cemetery and reaches Turusenniemi by the lake, where Turusenniemen nuotiopaikka offers a campfire stop(3)(4). Near the end, Unelmien Uimaranta is a shallow, family-friendly swimming beach beside the church—Retkipaikka’s walk-through notes it as a good place to cool off after the loop(4). The Karelianpolut / Kirkkoniemi Trail and Karelianpolut / Piilovaara Trail share segments and marker colours with this area: yellow marks the nature trail, while the bike routes use other colours where they branch(4). Expect some asphalt and gravel links, duckboards over wet ground, and wide forest paths. Tohmajärvi Seura led a major refresh in 2021–2022, replacing boardwalks and viewing platforms and updating nature panels(5). Retkipaikka’s account stresses the birch woodland and the monkshood meadow at midsummer(4).

Kuikan Kierros Nature Trail is about a 6.5 km circular hike in Petkeljärvi National Park in Ilomantsi, North Karelia. The park is Finland’s easternmost and smallest national park; Visit Ilomantsi describes its steep-sided esker forests and the wider Petkeljärvi–Putkelanharju ridge as part of a nationally important esker landscape(4). For maps, visitor rules, and trail-specific guidance, Metsähallitus publishes the Kuikan Kierros page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit North Karelia’s route article adds practical pacing: the yellow-marked loop is easiest to follow clockwise, with no winter maintenance and use in snow-free conditions(2). Retkipaikka’s long-form trail piece by Jukka Parkkinen helps picture the setting—clear tarns and lake shores, bogs with duckboards, pine heaths, and the park’s symbolic bird, the great crested grebe (Finnish kuikka)(3). The loop is a strong day hike in rolling esker terrain. Visit North Karelia rates the difficulty as demanding, warns of steep climbs and descents that need extra care with a heavy pack, and notes patchy mobile coverage with advice to carry basic first-aid supplies(2). Within the first kilometre you can extend the outing onto Korkeasärkän polku, a roughly two-kilometre return spur to a narrow ridge top(2)(4). Around two kilometres along the main loop, Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti crosses the circuit; following that long-distance ridge trail for a little over a kilometre brings you to Keltasilmä laavu, a lean-to between two small waters that Visit North Karelia highlights as a worthwhile extra even though the Kuikan loop itself has no official lean-to stops(2). From the northern arc the trail drops toward Petraniemi on Lake Petkeljärvi. There you pass Petkeljärvi metsänvartijan maja, the former ranger cabin, with Metsänvartijan maja laituri beside the water and Petkeljärvi metsänvartijan maja sauna nearby—useful context markers in the forest–lake fringe. Closer to the camping and service shore are Petraniemi telttailualue, Petraniemi tulistelutupa, Petraniemi grillikatos, Petkeljärvi Center - veneenlaskupaikka at Petkeljärventie 61, Petraniemi vierasvenelaituri, Petraniemi rantasaunan kotakeittiö, Petkeljärvi rantasauna, Petkeljärvi rantasaunan talousrakennus, Petranniemi rantasaunan kaivo, and Petraniemi rantasauna laituri. Petraniemi pysäköintialue sits here if you prefer to start from the resort side. Retkipaikka reminds readers that the national park still carries restored trenches and wartime earthworks—interesting in the landscape but respect cordons and interpretation(3). Together with Harjupolku Ilomantsi and the longer Ravajärvi-Petkeljärvi reitti and Rajanpolku Petkeljärvi–Möhkö connections in the same park, Kuikan Kierros works as a concise but strenuous look at Petkeljärvi’s esker scenery. Visit Ilomantsi notes summer services at Petkeljärvi Center—accommodation, caravan pitch, café, rentals—and Visit North Karelia mentions sauna rental after a hike(2)(4). There is no public transport to the trailhead; plan to arrive by car or taxi(2).

Linnalampi Hill Fort Trail is a very short circular path, about 0.1 km, at the Linnalampi rest area along Taitajan Taival in Putkela, Ilomantsi. It sits on a forested promontory between Linnalampi pond and the Koitajoki watercourse in North Karelia. The loop is a practical add-on at one of the main rest points on Finland’s oldest marked long-distance hiking line in the region: walkers on Taitajan Taival pass Linnanlammen laavu on a sandy shore by the river, with a campfire place and dry toilet nearby. For planning the full 32 km ridge hike, seasonal conditions, and official route documentation, start from the Luontoon.fi page for Taitajan taival(1). Visit North Karelia summarises the long route’s Natura surroundings, rest places, orange trail marking, and notes that the stop at Linnalampi lies on a sandy beach beside Koitajoki(2). Visit Ilomantsi places the trail in the story of the ancient ridge corridor used for thousands of years and links onward reading(3). Ilomantsi lies in eastern North Karelia. At Linnalampi you can stretch your legs on forest soil and sand around the hilltop linked to the Linnalampi hill-fort interpretation: Kyppi.fi describes a possible hill fort with a levelled summit area above the pond and submerged timber features documented in the water(4). Retkipaikka’s long walk-through of Taitajan Taival adds ground-level colour on how the wider trail feels in dry pine forest and over rocky harju sections on multi-day hikes(5). Together with Linnanlammen laavu and Linnalampi tulentekopaikka, this stop makes a natural lunch or swim break if you are through-hiking or section-hiking Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti. The lean-to and fire ring sit steps from the short hill-fort path; use fire rings only when permitted and follow any forest-fire warnings on the authority pages(2).

Kolvananuuro Uuro Trail is a demanding hiking route about 4.7 km long as one line on the floor of the Kolvananuuro gorge in North Karelia, along the edge between Joensuu and Kontiolahti. For trail cards, difficulty grading, parking notes, and the latest maintenance messages, begin with Visit North Karelia’s Kolvananuuro Nature Trail page(1). Metsähallitus looks after the protected area; the same page explains fire rules, winter access limits, and how the wider Uuro circuit relates to services at Pieni Koirilampi(1). The City of Joensuu describes the surrounding Eno-area ridge walks and notes that Kaltimon kierto links west with a connector toward Kolvananuuro and Kolinpolku when you want to combine vaara terrain with this gorge section(2). Protected-area framing for the Natura 2000 site is summarized on the Finnish environment portal(3). Along the route, a cluster appears around the two Koirilampi ponds: roughly 1.3 km into the line you reach Pieni Koirilampi kuivakäymälä uusi and Koirilampi tulentekopaikka uusi, then Pienen Koirilammen nuotiopaikka a little farther—natural lunch stops beside the water with a lean-to shelter and dry toilet in the same basin(1)(4). Dry toilets sit with the rest area rather than as separate “sightseeing” targets. About 4 km along, Uuronvaara pysäköintialue gives a forest-road parking base on the Joensuu side of the massif; the trail threads meet the long-distance Kolinpolku and the shorter Kolvananuuro Nature Trail loop for day combinations toward Urkkalampi laavu or back to other Kontiolahti-side parking(1)(4). Luontopolkumies writes vividly about rope-assisted steep pitches, slippery frost-worn boulders in the gorge bottom, frequent interpretation boards on geology and plants, and the relief when duckboards spare a few wet steps(4). Joensuu is the main gateway city for buses and services; Kontiolahti holds the western approach roads and winter ploughing on its parking access(1)(2).

Ukonpolku is about 4.7 km as a point-to-point hiking path along the Ukonsärkkä esker in the eastern part of Lieksa, North Karelia, near the Russian border. For driving directions, round-trip distance ideas, safety notes, and what to pack, start with Visit Karelia’s Ukonsärkkä outdoor page(1). The Koli.fi write-up for the Ukonsärkkä–Jäkäläkankaan nature reserve sums up why the ridge and old-growth forests draw quiet day hikers(2). Lieksa is the municipality for this trailhead network. North Karelia keeps a low density of visitors here, yet the old forests still feel rewarding once you are on the crest. From Ukonsärkkä pysäköintialue you join the marked trail within about a hundred metres of the car park; the route samples high esker views, small lake pockets, and mire edges before the Ukonlampi rest area roughly 3.7 km along. There you reach Ukonlammen laavu and Ukonlampi tulentekopaikka for a food break; dry toilets sit with the laavu cluster so you can plan a longer stop without fussing over facilities. Karjalainen’s 2023 reporting from the ridge highlights stately deadwood pines that reward the climb for readers who want a newsroom-vetted snapshot of the atmosphere(3). Trail character is mostly easy striding on the sandy esker crest, but tour guides still label the overall outing as demanding because of navigation context: many forestry roads branch nearby, mobile coverage is patchy, and the duckboards toward the laavu can be slick or wet after rain(1). Open fires follow normal Everyman’s-right limits—no flames during wildfire warnings—and carry a paper map or offline trail data because online maps may not load in the forest hollows(1).

Kosola Nature Trail is a short hiking path of about 0.9 km in Vanha Puhos, in the village of Puhos, Kitee, North Karelia. The trail is an easy way to sample ridge scenery, older forest, and lush undergrowth while walking quiet local lanes through the historic mill and canal area. The City of Kitee describes information boards along the route that explain the industrial community’s past(1). The City of Kitee’s outdoor recreation pages also record a spring 2004 renewal of the Vanha Puhos and Kosola trails(2). Visit Savonlinna promotes Vanha Puhos as a full-day destination—mill, canal, shallow swimming spot, playground, and restaurant—if you want to pair the walk with food or seasonal events in the same landscape(3). The route passes close to the Puhos school and sports cluster: Puhoksen koulun liikuntasali, Puhoksen jääkiekkokenttä, Puhoksen seurojentalon liikuntasali, and Puhoksen pallokenttä sit just off the line—handy landmarks when you are finding your bearings. In winter the broader Puhos outdoor network adds Puhoksen latu for skiing and Puhos - Tervolampi Moottorikelkkaura for snowmobile routing in the same village; Puhoksen kuntorata offers a lit running track nearby when you want a different pace on foot.

For marked summer trails, campfire rules, and service updates in Koli National Park, the Koli hiking section on Luontoon.fi(1) is the right place to start. Visit North Karelia’s “Kolin kaunis kolmikko” route card describes an easy circuit around the Mattila, Ollila, and Turula homesteads on mostly wide, gravelled tracks—helpful background for the same cultural landscape this short link crosses(3). The trail is about 0.5 km and runs point-to-point between the Mattila farm area and the Vaaralanaho rest spot in Lieksa, in North Karelia. It is a practical connector: you can reach Mattila kaivo near the start, pass Turula telttailualue with Turula kuivakäymälä and two Turulan tulentekopaikka fireplaces roughly mid-route, and finish at Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka and Vaaralanaho kuivakäymälä. The Turula campfire place has a separate service entry among the park’s maintained structures(2). The line sits in the middle of longer day-hiking options. It shares nodes with Kolin kesäkahvilakierros, the Koli segment of the UKK Trail (Lieksa), Kylän Polku, Kasken kierros, and Old Forest Trail (Vanhan metsän polku), so you can stitch it into a coffee-shop loop, a UKK section, or a harbour-to-hill itinerary without backtracking along the main village road. Luontopolkumies walked Kasken kierros and highlights the Vaaralanaho stop as a natural break before the junction toward Turula(4). Ollila pysäköintialue is the nearest large parking in our data but sits a few hundred metres south-west of the polyline; many visitors combine parking at Ylä-Kolintie 12 or harbour-side lots with the wider Mattila–Ollila–Turula network instead(3). Read more on our pages for Turula telttailualue, Mattila kaivo, and the Vaaralanaho fireplaces when you plan fires, tents, or water.

Heinälampi Winter Trail—locally also called Pärnän talvipolku—is a groomed winter route in the Kinttupolut network at Pärnävaara in Liperi, North Karelia. The City of Liperi maintains the wider trail system and lists rest places, booking rules, and seasonal notices on its Kinttupolut pages(1). Visit North Karelia publishes a dedicated winter-route page with Liperi, including access notes and difficulty rating(2). The trail is about 5 km long. It is not a closed loop. It is marked with blue winter-route signs in the terrain and shares junctions with the colour-coded summer Kinttupolut branches, where you may also see purple, green, or yellow marking paint at crossings(2). From the Pärnävaara sports area, the line passes Parkin Grilli, an open shelter and fire ring often used as an early stop. About 3.2 km along you reach Pieni Heinälampi, laavu, and farther on Heinälampi, laavu ja kotus at the larger pond—both are natural break points on the winter line. Toward the far end the route runs close to Pärnävaaran pulkkamäki, the biathlon practice range, and Pärnävaaran koiraurheilukeskus before finishing near Pärnävaaran varauskota, a reservable kota (booking via the municipality’s reservation system, linked from the city’s fireplace listings)(1). The same winter corridor meets groomed ski lines such as Pärnän helppo Latu and Pärnävaaran kilpaladut and links conceptually to longer Kinttupolut branches like Jyri Trail and Pärnä Trail where those share the Pärnävaara trailhead(1). Regional brochures sometimes describe a slightly longer winter figure around the ponds than the mapped hiking line—if your watch reads a bit more distance, that is usually down to which spurs you include at junctions(2). Karjalainen’s local hiking column about the summer Heinälampi Trail notes steep pulls, roots, and rocky steps in the same lake terrain—useful background for what the forest topography feels like once snow cover changes grip(4). Liperi lies east of Joensuu. Ylämylly has the nearest everyday services after a ski or snow walk(2). Follow winter safety and ski-track etiquette: the municipality maintains live grooming information for the regional ski network(3). In October 2025 the city warned that forest work near the lit ski area could affect access to Heinälampi and Surmilampi summer branches—check the city’s Kinttupolut update before combining those spurs with the winter route(1).

Horkka connecting trail is about 0.3 km one way on Metsähallitus Ruunaa recreation area north of Lieksa in North Karelia. It is a short, linear link in the busy Siikakoski riverbank cluster: the path links the Siikakoski–Horkka service area with Horkka pysäköintialue so you can walk between the riverside fireplaces and laavut and the small roadside parking pocket without doubling back on the main Siikakosken lenkki loops. For trail descriptions, maps, and the latest visitor instructions for the marked Siikakoski network, start from Luontoon.fi(1). City of Lieksa publishes broader local hiking context and contacts for municipal trails(2). Along the connector you are in the same tight knot of facilities hikers use on Siikakosken lenkki 3 km and Siikakosken lenkki 5 km. Horkka tulentekopaikka and Siikakoski tulentekopaikka give riverside campfire space; Uittopato tulentekopaikka sits slightly upstream near the former splash dam area. Horkan laavu and Siikakoski laavu are the two shelters beside Lieksanjoki; Luontopolkumies Mika Markkanen stopped at Horkan laavu just off the footbridge zone and describes the bridge, riverside walking, and yellow trail markings used on the wider loops(3). Via Karelia notes that Ruunaa packs roughly 50 km of marked, partly duckboarded routes and calls out the shorter 3 km and 5 km rings around Siikakoski and Murrookoski among the classics above the main rapid sections(4). This yhdyspolku does not replace those loops: it simply stitches parking to the shore cluster for a quicker step-out from the car or a shortcut when you are linking day segments. If you continue onto Siikakosken lenkki 3 km or Siikakosken lenkki 5 km, expect mire boardwalk sections, riverside cobbles, and gently rolling forest farther along Murrookoski and Niskalahti; Murrookosken laavu appears deeper on the longer ring. The trail runs in Lieksa; North Karelia’s Ruunaa–Koli–Patvinsuo triangle is the wider reason people base themselves here for multi-day hiking. Read more on our pages for Horkka tulentekopaikka, Horkan laavu, Siikakoski tulentekopaikka, Siikakoski laavu, and Uittopato tulentekopaikka when you want fireplace specifics or map pins.

Närelenkki nature trail is about 2.1 km of easy walking at Neitikoski in the Ruunaa state hiking area near Lieksa, North Karelia. The Lieksanjoki rapids draw large numbers of visitors to Ruunaa each year, and this short marked path samples the shoreline woods, Neitisaari lean-to, Neitikoski day-use spots, and calmer bays toward the Kirppuvirta boat ramp. Metsähallitus lists the trail on Luontoon.fi(1); Via Karelia’s Ruunaa introduction notes the roughly two-kilometre nature trail beside the wider marked network(2). Lieksa is the gateway town for road and public transport to Ruunaa. From Paasikoskentie pysäköintialue you quickly reach Neitisaaren laavu and Neitisaari tulentekopaikka on the forested island fringe; Kirppuvirta veneenlaskupaikka offers a handier shore if you came by small boat. Neitikoski pysäköintialue sits next to Ruunaa Outdoor Centre services on Neitikoskentie; Neitikosken parkkpaikka grillikatos, Neitikoski tulentekopaikka 1, and Neitikoski tulentekopaikka 2 cluster there for sheltered cooking and breaks. The trail passes Ämmäkoski esteetön tulentekopaikka 1 for an accessible fireplace stop and Ämmäkoski tulentekopaikka 2 slightly downstream. Hongikkoranta pysäköintialue, Hongikkoranta tulentekopaikka, and Hongikkoranta kuivakäymälä cap the quieter western bayside—dry toilets sit near both Hongikkoranta and Neitisaari rather than along every spur. VisitKarelia describes Neitikoski parking on Neitikoskentie 47 in Pankakoski, onward travel from Lieksa, and practical safety tips for boardwalks when wet(3). Retkipaikka’s walk-through of the nearby Neitikoski barrier-free path highlights how busy the carpark feels during upgrades, how clearly the main trails are posted, and how calm the rapids look from the island viewing decks—useful colour if you are combining several short strolls in one stop(4). The same junctions tie into Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros when you want a full-day lakeland circuit instead of this shoreline sampler.

The Jokivaarankangas–Majaniemi route is about 2.3 km of point-to-point trail on Susitaival between the Jokivaarankangas parking area and the network junction toward Majaniemi, in Ilomantsi in North Karelia. It is a short day-trip leg of the roughly 94–97 km Susitaival long-distance trail that runs from the Möhkö area toward Patvinsuo National Park(2)(3). For seasonal maintenance, rest spots, and Susitaipale cable-ferry notices, City of Ilomantsi publishes updates on its outdoor pages(1). Luontoon.fi lists Susitaival in the national outdoor service(2). Visit North Karelia describes how Susitaival continues through forest roads and paths in this area, including the Suomunjoki crossing by cable ferry, the Suomunjoen laavu shelter, and onward links toward Patvinsuo and Majaniemi tulentekopaikka at Koitere shore with signposted junctions about a kilometre off the main line(3). From Jokivaarankangas pysäköintialue the path passes a dry toilet at Jokivaarankangas kuivakäymälä and reaches Suomunjoen laavu within the first few hundred metres—an easy place to pause before or after the river crossing that longer Susitaival walkers use(3). Where this segment meets Patvinkierto retkeilyreitti you can turn onto the 25 km Patvinsuo loop past Teretinniemen laavu, Teretti laavu, and the bird towers, or continue on Susitaival toward Kurkilahti and the broader ridge-and-mire country that Retkipaikka's Susitaival story highlights in photographs and day stages(4). Retkipaikka's Patvinkierto walk notes that Patvinkierto is also reachable from Jokivaarankangas pysäköintialue when you accept a few extra kilometres compared with the main Lahnalampi trailhead(5). Ilomantsi lies on the eastern side of North Karelia; this corner of Susitaival sits between lake shores and Patvinsuo’s mire landscapes, so carrying a map or GPX is still wise where trail networks split(3)(4). Expect quiet forest walking and orange-painted trail marks shared with the main route(3)(4).

Siikakoski rapids loop (5 km) is a marked day hike in Metsähallitus’s Ruunaa recreation area on the Lieksanjoki river east of Lieksa. The trail is about 4.9 km long as shown on our map. For the authoritative trail description, fire rules, and any service updates, start from the Siikakosken lenkki trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia’s Siikakosken pikkulenkit page adds practical notes on rubber boots, insect protection, and how the path mixes riverside walking with pine forest and open mire(2). Via Karelia situates Siikakoski among Ruunaa’s roughly 50 km of marked, duckboarded paths and names the shorter 3 km ring alongside this 5 km option(4). Retkipaikka’s walk-through by Mika Markkanen (Luontopolkumies) is worth reading for the Siikakoski bridge, the yellow paint marks, and how the route threads past Murrookoski and Niskalahti(3). Lieksa lies in North Karelia. The hike begins from the Siikakoski end of the fishing-road cluster: you can leave a car at Siikakoski kalatie asuntovaunualue 1 or Siikakosken kalatie asuntovaunualue 3, with Murrookoskentien pysäköintipaikka kuivakäymälä nearby for orientation. Within a few hundred metres you reach Uittopato tulentekopaikka at the headrace, then the Horkka parking pocket at Horkka pysäköintialue. Around Horkan laavu and Siikakoski laavu, with Siikakoski tulentekopaikka and Horkka tulentekopaikka close together, you have several sheltered rest options before the path climbs away from the immediate rapids. Dry toilets sit beside several of these stops. The middle section follows Lieksanjoen more open banks and crosses wet ground on duckboards; Siikakoski pysäköintialue 1 and Siikakoski pysäköintialue ylempi give alternative access if you join the ring partway. Near Niskalahti tulentekopaikka the forest opens toward the lake, then Murroonkangas tulentekopaikka sits on higher ground before the trail drops back toward Murrookoski. Murrookosken laavu and Murrookoski tulentekopaikka form a natural lunch stop above the river. The northern arc crosses mire on refurbished duckboards, then passes Murroosuvannon laavu, Murroosuvanto tulentekopaikka, and Murroopuro tulentekopaikka before closing toward the start. The same landscape links to Siikakosken lenkki 3 km for a shorter ring and to Ruunaan maastopyöräreitti where the networks touch the Siikakoski services.

Taitajan Taival connector route to Ilomantsi is a 7.4 km hiking trail in Ilomantsi, North Karelia, linking the historic Taitajan Taival long-distance trail directly to the sports area in the centre of Ilomantsi. The main 32 km Taitajan Taival bypasses the town entirely, but this connector gives hikers a route in from the trail to reach services, accommodation, and facilities(2). For current details on the local trail network, the Municipality of Ilomantsi publishes information on their summer and winter sports pages(1). The route starts at Hiislampi, where the main Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti passes at about the halfway mark of that trail. At the start you will find Hiislampi laavu — a lean-to shelter set in the forest — and Hiislampi tulentekopaikka, a campfire spot with a fireplace and firewood supply. Dry toilets are available at Hiislampi kuivakäymälä nearby. From here the connector heads west through boreal forest for the majority of its length. The terrain is moderately hilly, following the ridge and esker landscape typical of the Ilomantsi area. About 6.7 km from the start the trail passes near Rajan ampumarata, a shooting range, before dropping into the Parppein area at the edge of Ilomantsi town. The route finishes near Ilomantsin liikuntahalli at Pogostantie 13, a short walk from the town centre. The Parppein area is Ilomantsi's main outdoor activity area: at the trail's end you will find Liikuntahallin Hengähys laavu for a rest stop, Parppein kuntoilupaikka outdoor gym, Parppein frisbeegolfrata disc golf course, Liikuntahallin tenniskenttä, Liikuntahallin jääkiekkokaukalo outdoor hockey rink, Liikuntahallin kuntosali Ilomantsi gym, and Parppein kuntoportaat fitness stairs. Parppein pallokenttä ball field and the Liikuntahallin pulkkamäki are also in this area. From here it is also a short walk to the Ilomantsi swimming pool on the shore of Ilomantsinjärvi. In winter, Ruhkarannan lenkki, Parppein valaistu latu, Parppein valaistu kuntorata, and Oikoladut all start from the Parppein sports centre. Hikers tackling the Taitajan Taival or the broader 90 km Pogostan kierros can use this connector to walk into town for the night and return to Hiislampi the next morning to continue on the main trail.

Neitikoski Accessible Fish Trail is a short, marked walking route of about half a kilometre one way in the Ruunaa hiking area along the Lieksanjoki rapids in Lieksa, North Karelia. Metsähallitus maintains the trail — the Luontoon.fi trail page(1) is the best place to confirm current conditions and services. The path starts from the Neitikoski parking cluster near Ruunaa Outdoor Centre on Neitikoskentie. The first section is a wide, stone-chip surface that VisitKarelia classifies as a demanding wheelchair segment; it then becomes an easier wooden boardwalk with edge strips along the duckboards(2)(4). Along the way you pass Ämmäkoski esteetön tulentekopaikka 1 and Ämmäkoski tulentekopaikka 2 at the side-channel crossing, then Hongikkoranta tulentekopaikka above the dry channel. Dry toilets are available at the parking end of the route — see our Hongikkoranta kuivakäymälä page for more. Neitikoski pysäköintialue sits mid-route with Neitikoski tulentekopaikka 1, Neitikosken parkkpaikka grillikatos, and Neitikoski tulentekopaikka 2 for breaks and cooking. The path ends near Kirppuvirta veneenlaskupaikka with river and lake views toward the main rapid. Luontopolkumies’s visit write-up on Retkipaikka captures the shaped benches, the two viewing platforms, and how the boardwalk reaches the deck above Neitikoski — handy for pacing and picnic planning(3). Angling is part of the area’s identity; bring permits and follow local rules(4). Commercial whitewater outfits at Ruunaa can also assist mobility-limited guests on the water(2). For a full-day hike on marked paths in the same valley, continue onto Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros, which shares shoreline infrastructure in places.

For planning and current conditions, start with the City of Tohmajärvi’s nature trails overview(1) and the Kemien Luontopolku section on Visit Tohmajärvi(2). Kemie Nature Trail is about 5.1 km of hiking through Tohmajärvi’s esker and grove country in North Karelia, starting from the Kemie sports and culture block near Kirkkotie. The route is marked in yellow and passes through the Jalajanvaara and Oravaara protected areas with large height differences, duckboards, and fifteen information boards on nature and local culture. The outing is moderately demanding: expect roots, wet hollows, tall grass, and short steep climbs and descents; rope handlines help on the steepest pitches on Little Palovaara. There is no campfire site on the trail itself, so pack food and carry out waste. On Retkipaikka, Luontopolkumies describes walking the route in about two hours and a quarter and calls out the boards, the climb to Jalajanvaara, meadow management with Metsähallitus and Keski-Karjalan Luonto ry, and wildlife such as elk along the way(3). The trail begins beside the outdoor museum and music-school area. From the first metres you are in a dense recreational cluster: Nymanin pallokenttä, Kemien tenniskentät, Kemien lähiliikuntapaikka, Seniorien kuntoilupaikka, Kemien ulkokuntoilupaikka, Mokinmäen kuntoportaat, Liikuntahallin beachvolleykenttä, Tohmajärven liikuntahalli, Liikuntahallin kuntosali Tohmajärvi, and Kemien liikuntahallin frisbeegolfrata sit along or right next to the trail through the sports area—useful if you combine a short walk with ball games, stairs training, or disc golf before or after the forest circuit. The same patch of forest links to other marked activities: Kemien valaistu latu (lit ski track), Kemien valaistu kuntorata (lit running track), and Karelianpolut / Pekan Trail (mountain biking and trail running) share places such as Mokinmäen kuntoportaat and the sports hall zone, so you can stitch together a longer day without moving the car. A separate snowmobile route runs farther out in the landscape; it only touches this dense service area at shared waypoints.

For national park rules, fees, and the wider trail network around this cave, start with the Kiehisen kierros page on Luontoon.fi(1) and the Pirunkirkko parking service page on Luontoon.fi(2). Devil's Church Trail is about 0.2 km as a short loop on our map in Lieksa, in the southeastern part of Koli National Park. It is essentially the walk from Pirunkirkko pysäköintialue up to the Pirunkirkko rock chamber and back—the same parking area anchors the much longer Kiehisen kierros, so many visitors combine a quick cave visit with that circuit. Retkipaikka’s Kolin Pirunkirkko write-up quotes Luontoon.fi describing Pirunkirkko as a Z-shaped crack cave about 34 metres long and between about one and seven metres high, woven through with local folk tales(3). Via Karelia also highlights the southeast cave as a day-trip focus reached from the parking area in English-language Koli planning(5). Mika Markkanen’s Kiehisen kierros article for Retkipaikka notes steel grate steps to the entrance, an opening roughly a metre high while the inner space can be far taller, and suggests bringing a friend and a head torch if you plan to explore inside(4). The approach from the roadside parking offers glimpses toward Lake Pielinen in places along the short climb(3)(4). If you want a full day of ridges and heritage yards after the cave, continue onto Kiehisen kierros from the same parking—our page for that trail lists lean-tos, saunas, and crossings along the longer loop.

Peaks shortcut trail (Huippujen oikopolku) is an about 200 m loop on Ukko-Koli in Lieksa, North Karelia, inside Koli National Park. It is a tiny link in the summit trail system around Kolin luontokeskus Ukko: you can use it with the marked Huippujen Kierros ring when you want to move within the nature centre, hotel and carpark cluster without retracing the full 1.4 km peak circuit every time. For the official trail description of Huippujen Kierros, any closures, and the national park rules that apply to open fires and pets, start from the Huippujen kierros trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Koli.fi(2) explains how visitors reach the national landscape viewpoints from Koli village, the harbour routes, the scenic lift and the Ylä-Koli parking areas—practical context for combining this loop with other summit paths. The main Huippujen Kierros follows Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli; independent walkers often recommend going counter-clockwise and taking time for views rather than rushing through Mutkia matkassa(3). Reissukuume(4) describes the same high-fell network in winter, when snow and ice on rock steps can make even short links slower than they look on the map—worth remembering if you stitch this shortcut into a longer summit outing. Via Karelia(5) stresses how densely Koli packs short marked loops and variants around Ukko-Koli; this shortcut is part of that pattern rather than a separate destination hike. You stay very close to Pääministerin tulentekopaikka below the nature centre yard, Koli pysäköintialue 1, Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3, Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus and Koli Relax Spa. Bring your own firewood or buy it from service points if you use the campfire site, and follow general wildfire warnings and park instructions(1). From the carparks to the yard, the separate Ukko-Koli parking access path is another marked snippet in the same upper area if you are joining walks from Polku parkkipaikalle.

Siikakosken niskan esteetön is a very short barrier-free loop in Metsähallitus’s Ruunaa recreation area on the Lieksanjoki river east of Lieksa. On our map the route is about 0.1 km as one compact ring beside the Siikakoski fishing-road cluster, at the neck of the rapids pool where the river landscape opens toward Niskalahti. For fire rules, services, and the wider Siikakoski trail network, start from the Siikakosken lenkki trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia’s Siikakosken pikkulenkit page describes the longer Siikakoski rings (roughly 4.7–5.4 km) that share the same parking and river scenery, with yellow tree marks and mixed riverside, forest, and mire character(2). Retkipaikka’s walk-through by Mika Markkanen (Luontopolkumies) is useful for how the Siikakoski bridge, Niskalahti, and Murrookoski fit together on a half-day hike, even though his route is the full ring rather than this short accessible segment(3). Via Karelia notes shorter 3 km and 5 km rings near Siikakoski and Murrookoski within Ruunaa’s roughly 50 km of marked paths(4). Lieksa lies in North Karelia. You typically reach the Siikakoski services from the end of Siikakoskentie: parking sits at Siikakoski kalatie asuntovaunualue 1 and Siikakosken kalatie asuntovaunualue 3, with Murrookoskentien pysäköintipaikka kuivakäymälä marking the roadside parking pocket. Within a short walk of the same cluster you find Murrookosken laavu, Murrookoski tulentekopaikka, Murroosuvannon laavu, Murroosuvanto tulentekopaikka, Siikakoski laavu, Siikakoski tulentekopaikka, and dry toilets at several stops, so families can combine a few minutes on the accessible loop with a break at a lean-to or campfire ring. The tiny mapped loop itself is separate from the 3 km and 5 km Siikakoski hiking rings but uses the same arrival and service area. If you need a longer wheelchair-suitable path in Ruunaa, Neitikosken esteetön reitti is documented on Luontoon.fi(5); the Siikakoski main rings are described as moderate hiking with roots, stones, and duckboards(2)(3).

Peaks shortcut trail 2 is a very short, non-loop hiking link on Ukko-Koli in Lieksa, North Karelia, inside Koli National Park. It is meant as a practical connector in the busy summit trail network: you can use it to move between the main Huippujen Kierros loop, Paha-Koli polku, and the service area around Kolin luontokeskus Ukko without repeating the full 1.4 km circuit every time. For up-to-date route descriptions, any closures and the national park rules that apply on open fires and pets, start from the Huippujen kierros trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Koli.fi(2) explains how people reach the national-landscape viewpoints from Koli village, the harbour route, the scenic lift and the Ylä-Koli parking areas—options that also work when you are piecing together a walk that uses this shortcut. The marked Huippujen Kierros ring follows Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli; independent walkers often recommend going counter-clockwise and reserving time for views rather than rushing Mutkia matkassa(3). Reissukuume(4) describes the same loop in winter conditions, when snow and ice on steps and rock can make even short sections surprisingly slow—something to keep in mind if you join the shortcut to a wider summit outing. Along or right next to this connector you are close to Pääministerin tulentekopaikka, a named campfire site below the nature centre yard on Metsähallitus guidance for nearby accessible routes. Bring your own firewood or buy it from the nature centre or hotel outlets if you plan to use that site, and always follow the general ban on open fires during wildfire warnings(1). The main parking options on our map are Koli pysäköintialue 1 and Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3; Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus, Koli Relax Spa and Kolin luontokeskus Ukko sit in the same upper-area cluster as Huippujen Kierros.

Siikakoski Fishing Path is a short, point-to-point walk of about 0.8 km in the Ruunaa hiking area in Lieksa, North Karelia. It follows the Lieksanjoki shore and the Siikakoski fish-ladder corridor, linking the Horkka resting places with the Siikakoski rapids, the timber chute (Uittopato) viewpoints, and on toward the Murrookoski and Murroosuvanto shelters and fire rings. The trail is a practical riverside link for anglers and day visitors who want to move between parking, lean-tos, and campfire spots without a long hike. For the wider marked Siikakoski day-hike network (including the roughly 5 km Siikakosken lenkki loop described by Metsähallitus), use the Siikakosken lenkki trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia’s Siikakoski day-walk page summarises the river-and-bog character of the area, yellow paint markings on trees, and what to expect for footing and weather(2). Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies write-up from the same river section adds on-the-ground detail: the path reaches the river within a few hundred metres, passes near Siikakoski bridge, and Horkan laavu sits a short distance from the bridge on the far bank — worth a detour if you are combining segments(3). Along this short line you pass, in order from the start, Horkka tulentekopaikka and Horkan laavu with Horkka kuivakäymälä nearby, then the Siikakoski cluster: Siikakoski tulentekopaikka, Siikakoski laavu, and Siikakoski kuivakäymälä. About a quarter of a kilometre along, Uittopato tulentekopaikka and Uittopato kuivakäymälä sit by the old timber-chute bank. Further along the route, Siikakosken kalatie asuntovaunualue 1 and Siikakosken kalatie asuntovaunualue 3 offer motorhome parking beside the fish ladder road, while Murrookoskentien pysäköintipaikka kuivakäymälä marks another access strip. Toward the northern end, Murroopuro and Murrookoski give riverside laavut and fire pits, and Murroosuvanto closes the line with Murroosuvannon laavu, Murroosuvanto tulentekopaikka, and Murroosuvanto kuivakäymälä. Dry toilets are available at several of these clusters. The path meets Joutenjoki kalapolku at the Horkka end and runs in the same landscape as Siikakosken lenkki 5 km and Ruunaan maastopyöräreitti — easy to combine for a longer outing. If you plan to fish as well as walk, Ruunaankosket licence rules and season windows for Siikakoski on Lieksanjoki are summarised on fishing.fi(4). Lieksa lies in North Karelia’s river-and-bog lake district; the upstream lake above Siikakoski is Murroojärvi(4).

For route choices and regional context around Koli, start with the Koli & Lieksa outdoor routes hub(1). The trail is about 6.1 km as one walking line in Juuka, in the Koli national landscape and national park area. It forms part of the national UKK hiking route network, which Koli24 describes as roughly 1,100 km end to end with the southern terminus at Koli and the northern terminus at Tulppio in Savukoski, and notes that shorter sections are practical day-trip options even though longer through-hikes demand experience(2). Juuka lies in North Karelia. Along this segment you pass the Koli recreation area cluster: Ryynänen sauna, Kolin virkistysalueen laavu, and Kolin virkistysalueen ulkokuntosali sit close to one another on forested ground above Pielinen. Further along, Ollila pysäköintialue gives a parking base if you join the line partway. Near Mattila kaivo you are in the old-farm landscape that Koli24 also highlights on nearby Kasken kierros, where Mattila, Ollila, and Turula are named as cultural stops. The Turula tulentekopaikka, Turula telttailualue, Turulan tulentekopaikka, and Turula kuivakäymälä group offers campfire space, a tent area, and dry toilets; Vaaralanaho kuivakäymälä and Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka mark the end sector toward Vaaralanaho. The same facilities tie into Kolin kesäkahvilakierros, which Koli24 presents as a relaxed café loop starting from Ryynänen toward Mattila and onward—useful context if you want to combine food stops with walking(2). On the wider UKK trail, independent hikers writing at Rinkka ja Pulkka describe starting long hikes near Luontokeskus Ukko and meeting variable marking and brush early on, and they praise Juuka for useful structures farther north on the national line(3). Trekkari’s long-form work on UKK history notes 1980s route-building around the Vuokatti–Koli corridor and later newspaper-era milestones for the national project(4). Those accounts refer to the full multi-day UKK, not this 6 km slice, but they explain why the name and paint blazes appear in Koli’s forests. The route shares tread with winter ski and running networks where our data shows overlap: Kolin valaistu latu Lieksa, Kolin kesäkahvilakierros, Kasken kierros, Kylän Polku, and shorter links such as Mattila – Vaaralanaho polku. Check the city’s and Metsähallitus pages for the latest on fireplaces, saunas, and national-park rules before you light a fire or stay overnight.

Noljakka nature trail is a short loop of about 2.5 km through the Höytiäinen canal estuary nature reserve on the edge of Joensuu—about six kilometres from the city centre by road. Joensuun kaupunki maintains the trail together with the ELY Centre and summarises the rules, access, and facilities on its nature-trails pages(1). Luontoon.fi publishes the same trail under the reserve’s outdoor routes for quick cross-checks of name and location(3). Much of the walking is on duckboards through wetland and lakeshore forest, with wooden direction signs and boards about local nature; there is no designated campfire site along this loop(1). Noljakka bird watching tower, partway around the loop, offers views over Pyhäselkä and the channel margins—worth a stop for birdwatchers and anyone who wants an open vista(2)(3). Under the nature reserve decision, bringing dogs onto the protected area is prohibited, as are open fires, camping, littering, and other activities that could harm habitats(1). For context, Retkipaikka’s long read on the Höytiäinen shoreline explains how the reserve’s unusual landscape ties to the great nineteenth-century drawdown of Lake Höytiäinen after canal work and dam failure—useful background if you wonder why this corner of Joensuu feels both lake-edged and history-laden(2). Karjalainen has highlighted summer grazing on and near the trail: organic Hereford cattle are used for habitat management, with daily checks that fences and animals are in good order(4). The trail links logically to the wider Noljakka outdoor cluster: Noljakan polut reaches the same tower area on duckboards from the beach and field side, and Jaama Trail passes close by with orange markings for longer hikes or bike loops(1)(2). The neighbourhood also includes Yhdysladut Mehtimäki-Noljakka, Noljakan valaistu latu, and Noljakan kuntorata for winter skiing and year-round running. For any change in reserve rules, grazing schedules, or maintenance, start from the latest city and ELY guidance on Joensuun kaupunki’s pages(1).

The trail is about 0.2 km as a short forest loop in Juuka, North Karelia, clustered around the Keihäsjoki Ala-Ruokonen trailhead beside Keihäsjoki. The same starting area is part of one of Juuka’s largest old-growth forest reserves, where the City of Juuka describes a longer roughly 5 km riverside hike along Keihäsjoki with ridge terrain, boggy ravines, and side trips to nearby ponds(1). For parking, difficulty notes, and how the long route connects to Pettäisenjärvi, rely on the City of Juuka’s Juukaharju ja Keihäsjoki page(1). On this short loop you pass Keihäsjoki Ala-Ruokonen nuotiopaikka, Keihäsjoki autiotupa, and Keihäsjoki Ala-Ruokonen kuivakäymälä. The modest wilderness hut at Keihäsjoki autiotupa was built in 1982; the municipality notes free overnight use plus swimming, fishing, and campfires there(1). The campfire spot sits steps from the hut along the same cluster. Dry toilets serve the Ala-Ruokonen area so you can plan a break or an overnight without leaving the immediate facilities. If you continue beyond this loop along the river hike the city describes, the far end includes a reservable log cabin by Petäisjärvi in summer and autumn; booking details are on the linked service page(3). The municipality warns that the section from the wilderness hut toward that cabin is unmarked and rated demanding(1).

Rajanpolku Petkeljärvi–Möhkö is about 14 km as one point-to-point hiking leg between Petkeljärvi and Möhkö in Ilomantsi, North Karelia. It forms the Petkeljärvi–Möhkö section of the 90 km Pogostan kierros ring, which stitches together Taitajan taival, Rajan polku, Susitaival, and Kulkijan polku around the church village (1). The City of Ilomantsi maintains municipal hiking trails and rest spots during the hiking season from late May through the end of October, with natural conditions in mind (2). For step-by-step terrain notes on this segment—where the route briefly follows Kuikan kierros, where a rocky ridge section can feel more demanding, and how the route approaches roads and the Koitajoki bridge toward Möhkö—Visit Karelia’s Pogostan kierros guide is the most detailed published walk-through (1). From Petraniemi at Petkeljärvi, the start sits in the national park service cluster: Petkeljärvi Center, the Petkeljärvi rantasauna and kota kitchen, a grill shelter, guest boat docks, and Petraniemi telttailualue for tenting. Petraniemi pysäköintialue and Petkeljärventie pysäköintialue 1 give practical parking a short distance from the start. About 2 km in you reach Petkeljärvi metsänvartijan maja with its sauna and the Metsänvartijan maja laituri—good landmarks if you are pacing a half-day. Around 5 km, Oinassalmi veneenlaskupaikka offers lake access off Möhköntie. The route finishes at Möhkön satama on Koulurannantie and passes near Möhkön laavu; Möhkö has cafés, the ironworks museum area, and other village services (3). The trail is marked with orange paint marks and guide posts as part of the wider Pogostan kierros system (1). It connects on the Petkeljärvi end to Harjupolku Ilomantsi, Korkeasärkän polku, Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti, and Kuikan Kierros luontopolku, and toward Möhkö it meets the Susitaival long trail—useful if you are planning a longer east-border itinerary (1). Möhkön Matkailuyhdistys lists practical Möhkö-side parking at the ironworks museum or Savottakahvila Möhkön Manta, asks visitors to note start and return times when leaving a car, and gives phone contacts for boat transport if you want to walk one way and return by water (3). Petkeljärvi Center reminds visitors that Petkeljärvi National Park rules apply along the park stretch: move respectfully, follow the posted rules, and keep dogs on leash only (4).

Kiehinen Trail is about 14.3 km as one path through the southern side of Koli National Park, linking Ylä-Murhi, lakeshore forest, Honkapirtti, Lakkala, Seppälä, Soikkeli, Rykiniemi, and the Herajoki wading cable at the south end. Joensuu is the nearest city in our data, and North Karelia is the home region, though trailheads also serve visitors arriving from Kontiolahti and Lieksa for day trips and weekend circuits. Metsähallitus launched the branded Kiehisen kierros network in 2022 as a skills-building hike before committing to longer pack routes(4). For lengths, the three main car parks, winter camping rules at Ylä-Murhi, and how white circle junction signs work, Luontoon.fi(1) is the right planning anchor. The Kiehisen kierros trail information boards(2) go deeper on campfires, Pitkälampi drinking water, tent zones beside the Ylä-Murhi heritage yard, rental-hut etiquette, the Herajoki ford with the fixed wading cable, and why dogs must stay leashed in the national park. Early on from the Ylä-Murhi cluster you have Ylä-Murhi telttailualue, Ylä-Murhi vuokratupa, Ylä-Murhi kuivakäymälä, and Ylä-Murhi tulentekopaikka together—dry toilets sit with the rental cabin and fireplace without turning them into a waypoint list. Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies notes describe steep openings, duckboard stairs on green slopes, Jauholanvaara views toward Herajärvi, and how the roughly 3.5 km Pirunkirkko day loop shares markings before longer arms peel south(3). About 1.7 km along from a Ylä-Murhi-style start you reach Pirunkirkko pysäköintialue; Devil's Church Trail connects here for a short side visit to the fractured Pirunkirkko boulder cave that local coverage links with an Eero Järnefelt poem on the wall. Pitkälampi kuivakäymälä marks the pond rest pocket Retkipaikka used before dropping toward the meadow. Roughly 6.7 km in, Honkapirtti varaustupa, Honkapirtti sauna, Metsäpirtti vuokratupa, Honkapirtti käymälä, and Metsäpirtti kuivakäymälä cluster around Honkapirtti—Path to Metsäpirtti is the direct spur if you want the smaller rental cabin without walking the whole saddle. Lakkala tulentekopaikka, Lakkala telttailualue, and Lakkala vuokratupa follow on the Lakkala rise. Seppälän tie pysäköintialue gives another staging point; Seppälä tulentekopaikka, Seppälä vuokratupa, and Seppälä sauna sit slightly above the road bay. Soikkeli tulentekopaikka and Soikkeli vuokratupa continue the cottage-and-fireplace rhythm toward Rykiniemi tulentekopaikka, Rykiniemi telttailualue, and Rykiniemi pysäköintialue on Pielinen’s sandy shore. The line finishes at Herajoki kahluuvaijeri; you can bypass the ford via the Herajoentie bridge if you add about 1.7 km instead of using the cable(2). Lake Herajärvi Circuit shares many of the same shelters and often frames multi-day plans; Soikkeli - Ylä-Murhi polku, Devil's Church Trail, Lakkala–Seppälä–Vesivaara trail, and Path to Metsäpirtti are the short spokes that stitch into this backbone when you want a variant day.

Kukonlammi Loop is about 3.7 km of hiking on the Mujejärvi trail network in Nurmes, North Karelia—a compact ring over Kukonsärkän esker named for Kukonlammi pond. Metsähallitus publishes network information for the conservation area on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia describes driving directions to Hiltuslahti parking, free parking, orange over red-and-black trail markings, slippery boardwalks in wet weather, berry and mushroom picking for personal use on the reserve, and safety reminders about fire and emergency calls(2). The usual start is Hiltuslahti parkkipaikka, where Hiltuslahti tulentekopaikka sits right beside the lot and a dry toilet is a few steps away. You climb quickly onto Kukonsärkän ridge; the crest stays high above surrounding mires in places, with a short dip over wetlands and bridges before resuming on the ridge. Retkipaikka’s illustrated Tetrijärvi report notes that after roughly two kilometres on the longer Tetrijärven kierros, a junction offers the shorter Kukonlammi option that turns back west past Kukonlammi while the main trail continues north; that report also warns of narrow, wet duckboards and many windthrows in recent seasons, so sturdy boots help(3). Toward the end of the ring you pass Murtolahti laavu with Murtolahti laavu tulentekopaikka and a dry toilet (Murtolahti laavu kuivakäymälä) near the shore—natural stops before closing the loop back toward Hiltuslahti. If you want a longer day, the same trailhead links to Tetrijärven kierros and the wider Mujejärvi reitti toward laavus and parking elsewhere on the lake system(2). The Näitä polkuja tallaan hiking diary from midsummer underlines how quiet the Tetrijärvi circuit feels and recommends insect protection in still forest air(4). Nurmes lies in North Karelia between major population centres; the Mujejärvi area sits toward Kuhmo along highway 75.

For maps, national-park rules, and seasonal route listings around Koli, Metsähallitus publishes the destination materials on Luontoon.fi(1). Herajärven kierros route description follows the marked path down from Mäkränaho toward Ikolanaho, past Tarhapuro’s upper streambed, and explains how the open meadow drumlin supports rare meadow plants such as fairy flax, with a busy campfire corner, lean-to fuel storage, and water near the historic farmstead clearing(2). Retkipaikka staffs visitors at Koli Nature Centre Ukko and keeps practical Koli access and summer–winter route collections in one place(3). Koli.fi summarises the national park’s geology, wildlife, and year-round outdoor options in the Lieksa area(4). Lieksa holds the Koli national landscape on the west shore of Lake Pielinen. The Ikolanaho–Purolanaho yhdyspolku is about 0.6 km point-to-point through forest between the Ikolanaho heritage meadow cluster and the Purolanaho side of Ukko-Kolin slope loops. It fills a short gap inside a dense trail network: you can reach it from Mäkrän Kierto, Ukko-Koli eastern slope trails, larger stages of Herajärven kierros, or winter ski routing on Ukko-Kolin ladut where those lines share the same hillside. Walking west into Ikolanaho, about half a kilometre along the connector, Ikolanaho vuokratupa sits beside Kotaniementie with booking managed like other Koli rental huts; read fee and key rules on our Ikolanaho vuokratupa page. Ikolanahon tulentekopaikka is a natural pause right next to the hut. Dry toilets sit beside the buildings so you need not return to the main road. Drivers often stage longer circuits from Peiponpelto pysäköintialue, where Kotaniemi–Herajärvi forest roads meet a small signed parking pocket near the meadow descent(2). Terrain is typical Koli forest path: compact soil, roots, and short climbs rather than exposed cliffs on this segment. Allow roughly fifteen minutes one way at an easy pace. Combine the link with a Mäkrän Kierto lap or the eastern Ukko-Koli slope trails if you want vistas and elevation after crossing the meadow.

Jouhteninen is an island in Lake Höytiäinen off Kontiolahti in North Karelia. The summer hiking route on the map is about 4.4 km as one shore-focused segment; it is not a full island loop. Metsähallitus maintains trails, campfire sites, and toilets on the island; the Jouhteninen nature reserve page on Luontoon.fi(1) is the place to confirm reserve rules, seasonal access, and any restrictions before you travel. The City of Kontiolahti’s Luonto- ja ulkoilureitit pages describe Jouhteninen as one of the most popular Höytiäinen day-trip islands and note scheduled boat connections toward the island from the Kontiolahti area(2). Play Kontiolahti summarises the island’s story: a tornado in August 2004 changed the forest, protected ridges and shores remain striking, and the island is home to unusual wildlife such as the velvet ant(3). You reach the shore circuit on foot after landing by boat. Along this route, about 3.6 km from the start, Jouhtenisen nuotiopaikka (itäranta) and Jouhtenisen rantautumispaikka sit on the eastern shore—good spots to pause, light a fire where permitted, or meet a small boat. A little farther, dry toilets serve the eastern and southern shore clusters: Jouhteninen kuivakäymälä itäinen, then near the southern end Jouhteninen kuivakäymälä and Jouhtenisen nuotiopaikka (eteläranta). The terrain follows forested shore and ridge ground; official and regional copy refers to two shorter ring routes with fireplaces on the island as a whole, while other descriptions mention roughly three- and five-kilometre walking options depending on how you combine loops(2)(4). Hei joku Joensuu’s Höytiäinen–Jouhteninen article notes steep short climbs and descents in places; ordinary walking shoes are enough if you are used to uneven forest paths(4). In winter, the line of this route lies on or beside the Kontiolahden hiihtoreitit ski network in places; in summer the same ground is used for hiking. The wider Höytiäinen–Kontiolahti snowmobile route runs in the lake area nearby—relevant only if you are comparing seasonal use.

Korkeasärkä Ridge Trail is a short, demanding spur in Petkeljärvi National Park in Ilomantsi, North Karelia. For distances, difficulty, elevation, and step-by-step directions from Petkeljärvi Center, start with the Korkeasärkän polku page on Visit Karelia(1). Visit Ilomantsi lists the park’s marked routes and notes that Korkeasärkän polku starts at the junction between Kokkolahden and Savulampi, runs about 2 km one way to the tip of Korkeasärkä at Lohissalmi, and returns the same way(2). Via Karelia describes Korkeasärkkä as the most dramatic ridge in the park: a narrow, steep-sided esker with water on both sides, dividing lakes Valkia and Kaitajärvi where they join Petkeljärvi(3). The trail is about 1.9 km as one direction along the ridge spur on this page. From the Kokkolahden–Savulampi junction (where Kuikan Kierros and Harjupolku meet), the out-and-back to the peninsula tip is about 2 km each way. If you start from Petkeljärvi Center and walk only this spur without combining Kuikan Kierros or Harjupolku, allow about 5.1–5.4 km round trip and roughly 1 hour 50 minutes(1). The route is classified as demanding: partly rocky tread, a narrow ridge crest, and steep sides—good boots and a map or GPX on your phone are sensible(1). Park trails in this area use clearly visible orange paint markings(3). The line begins near Petkeljärvi Center at Petkeljärventie 61. After about 600 m on Kuikan Kierros you turn left onto the Korkeasärkä out-and-back path(1). Around Petraniemi you pass services shared with other park trails: Petraniemi pysäköintialue, Petkeljärvi Center - veneenlaskupaikka, Petraniemi vierasvenelaituri, Petkeljärvi rantasauna, Petraniemi telttailualue, Petraniemi tulistelutupa, and Petraniemi grillikatos—useful if you combine Korkeasärkän polku with Harjupolku Ilomantsi, Kuikan Kierros luontopolku, Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti, or Rajanpolku Petkeljärvi–Möhkö. Via Karelia suggests walking the park’s round routes clockwise and notes you can pair Harjupolku with Korkeasärkä for a longer day(3).

For the latest on trails, conditions, and services in Koli National Park, start with the Huippujen kierros trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Via Karelia(2) describes the short peak-to-peak “Trail of the Tops” from Ukko-Koli via Paha-Koli and back through Akka-Koli as part of the same summit network. Mutkiamatkassa(3) highlights the open cliff views from Paha-Koli toward Lake Pielinen and south toward Mäkrä, and notes how the wider 1.4 km circuit fits around the Nature Centre Ukko and hotel yard. Paha-Koli Trail is a very short loop on the Paha-Koli summit—about 0.1 km on our map—inside the national park above Lieksa in North Karelia. Paha-Koli is one of the three main open tops on the classic Huippujen Kierros ring together with Akka-Koli and Ukko-Koli; the marked path here is the summit loop where you step onto the quartzite tops and look out over Pielinen. Near the same visitor hub you pass Pääministerin tulentekopaikka, a named campfire spot often used as a photo and rest stop between parking and the peaks. Most visitors combine this segment with Huippujen Kierros rather than treating it as a separate day hike. Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3 is the practical parking base in our data for reaching the upper yard and connecting walks. From the same area you can link to Huippujen Kierros, Mäkrän Kierto, Kolinuuron Kierros, and other marked options on the Ukko-Koli slopes(3). Terrain on the tops is mostly bare rock and short forest steps; winter snow can make side steps off the packed trace slower going even when the main circuit is still easy overall(3).

The Mujejärvi Trail is about 24.1 km point-to-point through the Mujejärvi recreation and nature reserve north of Nurmes in North Karelia. Metsähallitus publishes the authoritative route page on Luontoon.fi(1). The route starts from Uuronrotko parkkipaikka and soon reaches Uuronrotko laavu and Uuronrotko tulentekopaikka along the Uuronrotko gorge landscape. Via Karelia describes Uuronrotko as a steep western gorge cutting the area, with most other scenery a mosaic of rocky ridges, glacial landforms, and small dark forest lakes such as Mujejärvi and Tetrijärvi(3). Trek – N- Paws quotes Luontoon’s portrait of the gorge path running mainly on the rim through old forest, with big views from the edge and a descent to the laavu by a small pond—worth reading before you go(4). After about 6.6 km you pass Peurakangas parkkipaikka and Peurakangas kaivo. Around 8.5 km the line reaches Tammikämppä autiotupa - Kivilampi with Tammikämppä tulentekopaikka and Tammikämppä kaivo— a good halfway-style break with reservable wilderness hut character on the shore of Kivilampi. Mujeniemi laavu, Mujeniemi tulentekopaikka, and a dry-toilet cluster at Mujeniemi follow near the Mujeniemi peninsula scenery roughly two kilometres farther. Near 12.8 km you come to Murtolahti laavu and Murtolahti laavu tulentekopaikka on the bay. From this cluster you can shorten the day by joining Tetrijärven kierros or Kukonlammen kierros on shared trail sections, or continue on the long traverse past Talvilahti parkkipaikka and Talvilahti kaivo. Visit Karelia’s description of the Tetrijärven kierros loop highlights mire boardwalks whose colours swing from summer green to autumn ruska, old moss-carpeted spruce stands, and quiet dark-lake views typical of the wider Mujejärvi network(2). Berry and mushroom picking for personal use is allowed in the protected landscape as local guidance summarises(2). Beyond Talvilahti the route passes TETRIJÄRVI eräkämppä at the rental cabin corner of Lake Tetrijärvi, then Teerilaavu and Teerilaavu tulentekopaikka above the eastern lakeshore. A late swing revisits Talvilahti tulentekopaikat before finishing near Hiltuslahti tulentekopaikka and Hiltuslahti parkkipaikka. Dry toilets are placed near several shelters along the way. Parking at the main lots is described as free on regional guidance for the Tetrijärven kierros trailheads at Hiltuslahti and Talvilahti(2); driving directions from Nurmes toward Kuhmo on road 75 are signposted to Mujejärvi access roads(2)(3). Expect slippery boardwalks after rain(2). No suitable trail-only overview video met the quality bar after dedicated YouTube searches.

For trail-specific terrain, markings, and safety, start with the Varpasalo Hiking Trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). The trail is about 8.1 km as a loop on Varposalo in Rääkkylä, winding through farmyards, small roads, forest tracks, and short path sections. Luontoon.fi describes it as largely easy underfoot on forest roads and level paths, with some medium-difficult stretches where the ground is uneven, rocky, or brushy and wet rocks can be slippery(1). The route is marked with orange paint, ribbons, and wooden walker signs(1). Rääkkylä lies on Saimaa’s inner archipelago; Varposalo is one of the municipality’s lake islands. A standalone visit to the island pairs well with the wider Karelianpolut network: Visit Karelia presents the Karelianpolut / Saaristo Trail cycling corridor on Oravisalo and Varposalo with red guidance posts and several trailheads, including the Ihalansalmi bridge on Varposalo, and notes you can continue toward Liperi by ferry on longer trips(2). The City of Rääkkylä summarises Saaristo Trail as a touring-bike route up to about 50 km across the islands and points to printable Karelianpolut maps(3). That cycling network is separate from this hiking loop, but the same road shoulders and village roads often sit side by side—expect occasional forestry or farm traffic on shared sections(4). Along the hiking loop, Varpasalon erän kota comes up early, about 0.4 km from the start—a good break spot in a hut-style kota. Roughly halfway around, near the junction with Apajalahden luontopolku, Apajalahden luontopolun laavu offers a lean-to stop; the Apajalahti Nature Trail itself is a shorter ring focused on the alder mire and rocky sections described on the Northern Saimaa Archipelago site(4). In winter, Varpasalon hiihtoreitti shares part of the island’s trail network with marked ski tracks when snow allows(4). The Northern Saimaa Archipelago site also warns that a hunting-club kota with fireplace and dry toilet near the Varposalo village hall is not for public use—use the stops named above instead(4). Northern Saimaa Archipelago describes Apajalahden luontopolku as a separate 2.8 km ring with arrow markers, map boards, and a memorable black-alder wetland, and notes connections from the Ihalansalmi bridge toward Häikänniementie(4). If you are planning a full day from Joensuu, allow driving time to the island trailheads; the leisure desk at Rääkkylä can help with printed maps(3).

Heinälampi Trail is a short but technical branch of Liperi’s Kinttupolut network (about 65 km across seven linked circuits east of Joensuu). The City of Liperi maintains the system and publishes maps, GPX files, and seasonal notices on its Kinttupolut pages(1). Visit North Karelia hosts a dedicated Heinälampi Trail page with the same difficulty rating, timing, and safety notes(2). The trail is about 3.5 km long. It is marked in green in the field(2). From Pärnävaara Sports Centre you join it along other Kinttupolut branches: follow Kinttupolut / Pärnä Trail clockwise (black markers) and/or Kinttupolut / Jyri Trail counter-clockwise (yellow markers) until the green Heinälampi branch splits off; junction boards make the transfer easy to see(1)(2). Early on you pass Parkin Grilli, an open shelter and fire ring by the lower Pärnä Bike Park zone—give way to cyclists and follow posted safety rules where paths cross(1)(2). About 2.4 km into the route you reach Pieni Heinälampi, laavu on a wooded slope above the small pond; a little farther on, Heinälampi, laavu ja kotus sits by the larger Heinälampi with a lean-to, enclosed kota-style shelter, and fireplaces—good stops for lunch or a longer break(1). The layout is a forest loop around the Heinälampi ponds plus an out-and-back spur toward the Iso Heinälampi lean-to; the rockiest walking is often on the spur to the big lean-to(2). The terrain is classic North Karelia forest: pine stands, roots, stones, and short steep pitches—after rain, rocks and roots stay slippery, so pack a small first-aid kit as Visit North Karelia suggests(2). Karjalainen’s day-hike series highlights the same mix of lake shores, climbs, and roots on this four-kilometre outing and places it among the shorter Kinttupolut options near Ylämylly(3). The Retkipaikat blog’s Heinälampien laavut trip describes meeting other visitors at the laavut and bringing your own stove fuel if firewood runs low after busy weekends—worth reading for practical shelter tips(4). The pieniretki site adds short notes on autumn colour and alternative shorter approaches to the laavut(5). Liperi lies in North Karelia; Ylämylly has the nearest shops and cafés after your walk(2). You can extend the day on shared junctions toward Kinttupolut / Jyri Trail, Kinttupolut / Pärnä Trail, Pärnän helppo Latu, winter ski routes at Pärnävaara, or the separate Heinälampi winter trail network when snow allows(1).

The loop lies in Lieksa in North Karelia, around Lake Saarijärvi in the Änäkäinen area—do not confuse it with trails named Saarijärvi in Central Finland. For who maintains the laavu, cooking shelter, kota, caravan area campfire, and western leg of the circuit, and for possible future changes when lakeside structures are assessed for visitor safety, start from the City of Lieksa’s March 2026 agreement news with Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services(1). Visit Karelia’s Karhunpolku page explains how the Bear Trail is marked and how Änäkäinen connects into the long-distance corridor, including laavu and kota placement near Saarijärvi on the main route description(2). Lieksa Travel introduces Änäkäinen’s nature-and-history mix and names a short ring path around Saarijärvi—also called Iso-Änäkäisen—in the northern part of the area(3). Laavu.org lists coordinates for the roadside lean-to cluster if you are cross-checking map points(4). Saarijärvi loop is about 3.2 km and follows a true circuit around the lake. The terrain is an easy day outing compared with the steep ridge work farther north on Karhunpolku: think forest paths, some wet shoreline, and—on the east side—boardwalks that officials may someday close if they are judged structurally unsuitable(1). Along the southern and western shore cluster Saarijärven kota, Saarijärvi keittokatos, Saarijärvi tulentekopaikka (eteläinen), Saarijärvi kuivakäymälä, and nearby Välikangas pysäköintialue for drivers who want to walk in from the car park. Round toward Syväjärvi and you pass Syväjärvi laituri, Syväjärvi asuntovaunualueen tulentekopaikka, and Syväjärvi kuivakäymälä—handy if you combine a short lake outing with the caravan shoreline. The northern end finishes past Saarijärvi laavu - Lieksa, Saarijärvi tulentekopaikka (pohjoinen), and Saarijärvi kuivakäymälä pohjoinen. Dry toilets sit near the shelters; use them as shared amenities for the rest spots rather than as separate destinations. Read more on our pages for Saarijärven kota, Saarijärvi keittokatos, and the laavu when you want booking or hut rules. The same shoreline plugs into longer plans: Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) hiking and Karhunpolku (maastopyöräilyreitti) biking share segments here, and Maastopyöräreitti Rukajärventien kierros plus Änäkäinen yhdyspolku offer shorter bike or link options if you want to extend the day(2). Report windfalls, litter, or shelter damage along Karhunpolku to Lieksa sports maintenance using the contacts on the Visit Karelia page(2).

Susitaival is about 91.7 km as a multi-day hiking route in North Karelia, linking the Patvinsuo national park area near Ilomantsi with the Möhkö ironworks village and lake-and-ridge country in between. Ilomantsin kunta maintains the trail, its rest spots during the hiking season from late May through October, and the cable ferries on the same seasonal schedule(1). Current ferry status and winter notices are published on the municipality’s outdoor pages(1). The Susitaival route page on Luontoon.fi(2) lists the trail in Finland’s national outdoor database. Visit North Karelia gives a full stage-by-stage description, transport hints, and safety notes for the whole route(3). You can walk the route in either direction. From the Patvinsuo end, the Teretti peninsula cluster comes first: Teretti tulentekopaikka, Teretti laavu, Teretinniemen laavu, Teretti luontotorni, and Teretin lintutorni sit within a few kilometres of each other—good for a first break, a view over the mire, and birdwatching. A little farther along, Kurkilahden keittokatos and Kurkilahti pysäköintialue support day visitors driving to the shore. Here Susitaival meets Patvinkierto retkeilyreitti, Kurkilahti - Teretti reitti, and Suomunkierto retkeilyreitti, so you can stitch shorter loops or link to Suomu rental sauna and other Suomunkierto stops if you are combining networks. Farther south, Suomunjoen laavu and the Jokivaarankangas parking and toilet sit along the forest link toward Majaniemi tulentekopaikka, Majaniemi telttailualue, and Majaniemi kuivakäymälä. The ironworks harbour Möhkön satama and Möhkön laavu mark the Möhkö end of the cultural landscape—services, museum, and food in season are described from Möhkö toward the trail(3). The long middle crosses Pohjoisen Pitkäjärven autiotupa, Kontiovaaran laavu, then Särkkäjärven uimapaikka Ilomantsi and Särkkäjärven autiotupa with swimming and well water noted by hikers(4). Teponsärkän kota, Kaunisjärven laavu, Jorhon autiotupa, Jorhon laavu, and Petrokankaan laavu are the main overnight and lunch anchors on the northern two-thirds; Retkipaikka’s group singled out Kaunisjärvi for clear water and sand(4), and Latu&Polku describes the cable ferries after Jorho and the Naarva ridge views(5). Where Susitaival reaches Patvinsuo, it connects to Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti), which continues far to the north as part of a roughly three-hundred-kilometre network together with Pogostan kierros on the shared Möhkö–Särkkäjärvi section(3). Ilomantsi lies at the eastern edge of North Karelia; Lieksa and Patvinsuo anchor the north, while Möhkö sits in Ilomantsi’s forests toward the Russian border. Expect quiet forest, ridges, mires, and some forest-road and gravel transitions; mobile coverage is patchy and some climbs are steep with a full pack(3). Retkipaikka and Latu&Polku both note occasional unclear markings near clear-cuts—carry a map or GPX(4)(5).

The Haapavitja–Paasikoski trail is a short point-to-point link of about 0.8 km through Ruunaa hiking area along Lieksanjoki, connecting the Paasikoski rapids end to the Haapavitja rapids end where the long-distance trail network continues. Lieksa is the nearest larger town for public transport and services, and North Karelia’s lakeland and river scenery frame the whole area. For closures, conditions, and the authoritative route sheet, Metsähallitus publishes this segment on Luontoon.fi(1). Yellow paint blazes used on marked Ruunaa trails are described on the Ruunaan Koskikierros page(2), and the Neitijärven kierros Ruunaa page on the same regional site calls out mountain bikers on overlapping circuits plus open rapids views from the Haapavitja suspension bridge(3). Via Karelia summarizes how the long Koskikierros loop crosses Lieksanjoki on suspension bridges, including at Haapavitja(4). Kävelystä ja elämästä follows a day on nearby paths—Paasikoski, Haapaniskan laavu, Kakkisen laavu, duckboards beside Lieksanjoki, and the Haapavitja bridge—from a walker’s perspective(5). From Paasikoski tulentekopaikka you are right beside the river; dry toilets are available near the Paasikoski facilities without needing a separate named detour. About 0.7 km along, Haapaniskan laavu and Haapaniska tulentekopaikka form a compact rest cluster beside the forested bank. A short distance farther, Kakkisen laavu and Kakkinen tulentekopaikka sit slightly aside but are easy to combine if you want a longer pause before the final pull to Haapavitja tulentekopaikka at the upper-rapids end, with a dry toilet nearby at the Haapavitja end. At Haapavitja the footbridge over Lieksanjoki ties this short connector into the larger Koskikierros picture outlined by Via Karelia(4). Treat it as a link between river landings: stage from Metsähallitus arrival guidance(1), then continue over the bridge toward Neitijärvi on trails such as Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros when you want a full loop.

The Koitajoki trail to the eastern point is about 6 km point-to-point in Ilomantsi, North Karelia, on the upper Koitajoki river system near the national border. It continues the same marked hiking network as Koitajoki reitti and suits a half-day outing toward the EU’s eastern trail geography in this wilderness river landscape. For trail maintenance seasons, ferry availability notes, and the Infogis map link, start from the City of Ilomantsi hiking trails page(1). Via Karelia describes Koitajoki nature reserve as a quiet river corridor with small rapids between mire reserves and Koivusuo Strict Nature Reserve, part of the North Karelia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve together with Patvinsuo and Petkeljärvi national parks(2). Yle reported that the City of Ilomantsi took over upkeep of Koitajoki hiking trail structures while Metsähallitus continues to maintain four wilderness huts in the area, and that two hand-pulled river crossings on Koitajoki were withdrawn from service(3). A 2024 Koitajoki trip write-up on trekkari.fi describes a visit to the easternmost border point on an island and an overnight at Leimuukämppä autiotupa after exploring from Polvikoski—useful colour on how hikers combine Polvikoski pysäköintalue access, shelters, and the border zone(4). The countryside is a mix of open pine forest, river banks, and long mire crossings on duckboards where routes nearby are described as easy under dry conditions(5). Mobile coverage is weak in places; carry map, drinking water, and expect real wilderness etiquette in bear country. This segment is best planned together with Koitajoki reitti if you want laavu and autiotupa services spaced along a longer walk or a multi-day loop with Pirhun kierto elsewhere in the same reserve(2). Metsähallitus publishes Tapion Taival on Luontoon.fi as the main long Koivusuo hiking spine in Ilomantsi(6).

Pine Trail (Mäntypolku) is about 4.7 km through the Suomunjärvi shore forests of Patvinsuo National Park. The trail sits in Lieksa in North Karelia—a landscape of bright pine heaths, sandy coves, and the old Suomu forest warden estate that now houses services for visitors. For trail facts, closures, and every national park rule, start with the Mäntypolku page on Luontoon.fi(1). Via Karelia outlines how Lake Suomunjärvi fits the wider park and points drivers to the Suomu Nature Information Hut area(3). Luontopolkumies on Retkipaikka walked the route with blue markings, sharing the first stretch with Suomunkierto before turning toward Kuikkaniemi, and noted nature boards on pines, fires, beavers, and wartime charcoal kilns(2). Practically, the path works as a half-day forest walk from the Suomu hub. You leave from the same service yard as tent camping and parking: Suomu talo, Suomu luontotupa / sisämajoitus, Suomu kämpän sauna, Patvinsuo suomu pihakaivo and Suomu pysäköintialue are grouped at the start. The trail brushes Suomunjärvi beaches and, off the database line but on the ground, Kuikkaniemi’s historic savupirtti fishing hut described on Via Karelia(3). Around 3.4 km in, facilities at Aittoniemi include a dry toilet away from the busy yard. Closer to the south end you reach Suomu vuokrattava rantasauna, Suomun luontotuvan keittokatos, Suomu leirintäalue keittokatos, Suomu telttailualue, Suomu rantakaivo and Suomu pysäköintialue ranta—useful if you want a swim stop, a rental sauna block, or lakeshore parking. Fire pits are not on the narrow nature-trail corridor itself; designated places sit in the Suomu camping and cooking areas(2). The route meshes with other hikes at Suomu: Suomu yhdyspolku, Suomunkierto retkeilyreitti, Suomu rantasaunan polku, Nälmänpuro – Suomu reitti and Iso-Hietajärvi reitit. The long Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) also passes through this same service complex if you are planning a bigger trek.

Papinniemi monkshood nature loop is a short hiking circuit of about 0.6 km beside Saarekkeentie near the shore of Ätäskö in Kitee, North Karelia. The trail runs through a lush herb-rich deciduous grove centred on northern monkshood (Aconitum septentrionale, lehtoukonhattu). For current access, boards, and the downloadable map, start with the City of Kitee’s outdoor recreation pages(1). The City of Kitee’s outdoor recreation pages describe the route as roughly half a kilometre with a start panel and eight information boards along the way, and note that the monkshood blooms most strongly from late June into mid-July(1). The City of Kitee’s English groves article explains that the Papinniemi Aconitum grove covers about five hectares on cliffs and hillsides along Saarekkeentie; northern wolfsbane there grows only in the Central Karelia grove centre, and the site is part of Finland’s national grove conservation programme and the Natura 2000 network(2). Birds mentioned in local material include species typical of herb-rich forest, with night singing possible in season(3). On the ground the path is easy at first but becomes steeper along the flank of Käärmekallio (“Snake Rock”), with blue triangular paint marks to follow and occasional windfalls to step over(3). Northern monkshood is protected and toxic—do not pick plants or handle them casually(2)(3). Retkipaikka’s visit write-up adds practical colour: late June to mid-July is the window when the monkshood display is most dramatic, and the same piece describes driving directions from Highway 6 and the black Aconitum-lehto sign toward the parking opposite the marked start(3).

The Partiissuo trail is about 0.6 km of path in Kitee, North Karelia, giving a short glimpse into the Partiissuo raised-bog landscape. Kitee sits in eastern Finland; the wider Partiissuo mire is an extensive, natural peat bog in the northwest of the municipality, ringed by higher ground. The City of Kitee presents Partiissuo as ornithologically diverse and significant for berries and research on its Suot pages(1). Itäsuomalainen places the open mire a few kilometres northwest of central Kitee beside the road between Kitee and Rääkkylä and highlights its importance among North Karelia’s bird-rich wetlands(2). The same ground is listed as a terrestrial protected site in the World Database on Protected Areas under the name Partiissuo, with neighbouring Finnish nature reserves noted in the same record(3). This route is a simple, linear walk—not a day-long hike. Expect a quiet, specialist stop for anyone curious about open bog edges and wetland birds rather than a busy recreation circuit. Official prose does not spell out surfacing or structures along the mapped 0.6 km segment, so plan for ordinary outdoor footwear and calm pacing. Nesting bog birds on the wider mire include wood sandpipers; seasonal berries and the research emphasis both echo what the City of Kitee summarises for visitors(1).

For trail closures, restrictions, and the wider Patvinsuo hiking network, Luontoon.fi is the place to check first(1). Via Karelia summarises how drivers reach Suomu from Via Karelia road 522 via Kivilahti–Kitsi road 5202 and Suomuntie to the Nature Information Hut parking, and describes Suomunjärvi’s long sandy beaches and pine heaths as the park’s gentler northern contrast to the big open swamps(3). Suomu connecting trail is about 0.2 km and forms a compact loop through the Suomu service area on the Lieksa side of Patvinsuo National Park in North Karelia. Lieksa lies in North Karelia east of the core bog landscapes, and Suomu is the busiest lakeshore gateway on the Lieksa side of the park. It begins by Suomu pysäköintialue, where you already have Suomu talo, Suomu kämpän sauna, Patvinsuo suomu pihakaivo, and the Suomu luontotupa / sisämajoitus cluster within a few dozen metres. A few minutes along the path you approach the shore band at Suomu pysäköintialue ranta, with Suomu telttailualue, Suomun luontotuvan keittokatos, Suomu leirintäalue keittokatos, Suomu rantakaivo, and the beach sauna buildings including Suomu vuokrattava rantasauna. Treat the connector as the short stitch that joins the arrival and interpretation-hut side of Suomu with the camping and sauna shore so you can plan swimming, tent nights, sauna bookings, or launching paddles without guessing how the footpaths meet. Retkipaikka’s paddle notes from Suomu highlight how shallow Suomunjärvi feels from the water and that canoe and kayak hire is arranged from Suomu luontotupa / sisämajoitus when equipment is available(4). Metsäseikkailut’s Suomunkierto journal describes a typical evening at Suomu: plentiful tent pitches by the lake, a reserved slot in the lakeshore sauna, and coffee at the nature hut before departure(5). From Suomu you can step onto longer marked walks such as Suomu beach sauna trail, Mäntypolku, Nälmänpuro - Suomu reitti toward the Nälmänjoki tent and campfire spots, Suomu Lake circuit (Suomunkierto), and the long Bear Trail (Karhunpolku) network when you want more distance.

For closures, rules, and the latest official guidance on Herajärven kierros in Koli National Park, start with the Herajärvenkierros Trail (southern part) page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit North Karelia’s route card for the northern loop describes the hike as demanding, suggests 2–3 days for that stage alone, and notes blue paint blazes and signposts together with a compass and the Koli hiking map(2). Metsähallitus has repeatedly reminded hikers that the full circuit is heavy going: average pace in their public guidance has been quoted around 2 km per hour because of steep ups and downs and rocky ground, and drinking water is scarce along much of the line so you should plan carries or treatment carefully(3). The volunteer-written route narrative on the Herajärven kierros association site explains how the path links Ukko-Koli, Ryläys (Jero), Kiviniemi, and the southern trailhead area—useful orientation alongside paper maps(4). Hege Miettinen’s account of a multi-day solo round gives a candid sense of pacing and weather on the trail(5). North Karelia is classic lake-and-ridge country. Joensuu, Kontiolahti, and Lieksa all touch this landscape, and roughly a third of the walking is inside Koli National Park while the rest crosses forest and village fringe between lakes and fells(4). The trail is about 61.8 km as one long hiking line on our map. Official materials describe the circuit as roughly 61 km overall, often split into about 35 km on the northern side of Lake Herajärvi and about 30 km on the southern side, depending on which loop options you choose(3)(4). The line on our map is not a simple geometric loop; treat the distance as the full lakeside circuit with alternative start and exit points. From the first kilometres you pass Ryläys kota and the Ryläys lookout tower, then Myllypuro’s campfire and tent spots near the short Herajärvenkierros–Myllypuro connector. Peiponpelto pysäköintialue gives a parking base before the Jero cluster: Jero vuokratupa, sauna, well, and campfire sit together on Kotaniementie—convenient if you want reservable hut comfort early on. Ikolanaho adds another reservable hut, campfire, and well in the same broad area. Between about 14 km and 19 km the Ylä-Murhi group offers tent pitches, a rental hut, campfire, and dry toilets near Pitkälampi; Havukankorpi and Mäkränmaja follow as you work toward Kiviniemi sauna and laavu on the west shore. The Herajärven retkeilykeskus – Kiviniemen luontotila marks the national-park service cluster around mid-route, and Sikosalmen vetolautta is the hand-pulled ferry crossing called out in regional guides(2)(4). Orivirta silta carries you toward the Seppälä and Soikkeli hut-and-sauna groups, then Honkapirtti varaustupa, Metsäpirtti vuokratupa, and Lakkala’s huts and tent field frame the shore west of Ahvenlampi autiotupa wilderness hut. Seppälän tie pysäköintialue supports road access on the north side before the Herajoki kahluuvaijeri wading cable and the Rykiniemi parking, tent area, and campfire near the eastern closure of the circuit. Side and link trails matter for planning: Mäkrän Kierto, the Ikolanaho–Purolanaho yhdyspolku, Soikkeli–Ylä-Murhi polku, Kiehisen kierros, Lakkala–Seppälä–Vesivaara polku, Polku metsäpirtille, and long Kolinpolku all intersect or run parallel in places—use them to shorten days or add summit views if you have spare energy(2)(4).

The Kitee Wilderness and Game Trail is a roughly 5.2 km marked hiking loop on harju ridges and Lake Orivesi shoreline in Kitee, North Karelia—within easy reach of Joensuu for a half-day outing. North Karelia is known for lake-and-forest hiking; this loop sits on the Kitee shore of Lake Orivesi. The City of Kitee maintains the area; for opening logic, firewood, and municipal updates, their outdoor recreation pages are the practical place to start(1). Metsähallitus also publishes the same route on Luontoon.fi for map browsing and basic facts(2). The trail is two linked loops: the western Parppeinlampi nature loop (about 2.4 km) focuses on ridge vegetation, wildlife, and ice-age traces; the eastern Hietaniemi wilderness loop (about 2.3 km) emphasises game management, hunting heritage, and traditional wilderness culture(3)(4). Together, visitor materials describe on the order of thirty information boards along with carved wooden animal figures, traps, small game fields, feeding sites, and moose viewing structures(3)(4). Wooden trail markers and posts keep navigation straightforward, and you can walk either loop in either direction(3). Along the mapped route you pass Mäkränhovi luontotuva roughly one kilometre from the start—a good early stop on forest and lakeshore terrain. The Hietalahti shore cluster brings together Hietalahden nuotiopaikka and Hietalahden uimapaikka, with Hietaniemen kota on the tip of the Hietaniemi peninsula a little farther on—natural places to swim, grill, or take a longer break. Nearing the end of the circuit, Anttilantien kota sits before you close the loop. The short Koivukumpu retkeilyreitti uses the same shore facilities and links the game-trail shelters; it is an easy add-on if you want a little extra walking in the same area. In winter, the Lepolahti - Rasivaara Moottorikelkkaura snowmobile route uses part of the same shore corridor; stay alert where motorised and foot traffic overlap. Karjalainen has profiled the trail as a rewarding lakeshore destination within about an hour’s drive of Joensuu(5). Visit Karelia’s trail page gives step-by-step driving directions and parking notes(3), and Via Karelia’s walking guide adds detail on duckboard crossings, the base-area dining shelter, and how the two loops connect at the Hietalahti beach road(4).

The Pitkäjärvi Trail is a compact hiking loop of about 4.8 km on forested ridges and lake shores in Lieksa, North Karelia. It sits on the Karhunpolku long-distance corridor, which the City of Lieksa maintains together with its wider trail services(1). Visit Karelia publishes kilometre-by-kilometre notes for Karhunpolku, including the Pitkäjärvi section: after Kirkisensalmen laavu the route reaches the Pitkäjärvi shelter area, highlights a marked circuit around Pitkäjärvi in ridge scenery, and reminds that the main trail uses orange paint markers in the terrain(2). Metsähallitus also lists Karhunpolku on Luontoon.fi as the national outdoor description of the same network(3). Lieksa and North Karelia frame the outing. On the loop, about 1.1 km from the start you reach Kirkisensalmen laavu, a lean-to suited to a longer break before you climb into the open ridge feel around the lakes. Near the northern arc, roughly 3.6 km along the same circuit, Pitkäjärven tupa offers a proper wilderness-hut-scale stop described with room for a sauna night in Retki magazine’s multi-day Karhunpolku story(4). Retki magazine stresses how Pitkäjärvi is a cluster of basins linked by straits, and how the path works along the protected esker above the water—useful colour even on a short day walk. Because the footprint is shared with Karhunpolku, you may meet long-distance hikers continuing toward Ruunaa or Patvinsuo as well as day visitors circling only Pitkäjärvi. The same junctions also tie to Karhunpolku (maastopyöräilyreitti) where the cycling variant overlaps the hiking spine near this lake(2). For firewood rules, open-fire bans during wildfire warnings, and reports of windthrow or poor shelter condition, Contact the City of Lieksa sports-maintenance address listed on official pages rather than assuming hut stocks(1)(2).

Timo Hilippa's Trap Trail is about 1.3 km one way through lakeshore forest beside Lake Alajärvi in Öllölä; you return along the same path, so allow roughly 2.6 km of walking in total. The trail starts from the yard of the Koskenniska mill and inn museum and introduces traditional trapping and hunting culture with historic trap types, wooden animal figures, interpretation boards, a niliaitta smoke-sauna store, and a small moonshine still exhibit tied to local distilling lore(2). For how the trail is described locally and what you will see on the ground, start with the City of Joensuu’s hiking trail listing(1) and the Tuupovaara area tourism site’s Timo-Hilipan ansapolku page(2). The route lies in Joensuu in North Karelia. About 1.2 km from the start along the trail you reach Koskenniskan laavu, which has firewood, then Öllölän uimapaikka and Koskenniskan esteetön kota with accessible access toward the lake—natural places to pause, grill, or swim in summer. At the turnaround, a rocky lookout gives a wide view over the surroundings(2). The mill and inn area at the trailhead is a long-established cultural site with a local museum, summer café, riverside beach, and other services; the Tuupovaara area Koskenniska page summarises the museum and outdoor facilities(3). The path follows the same route bed as Paimenpojan polku in places; that long-distance Shepherd Boy Trail runs for about 35–37 km through the Tuupovaara landscape and along the Jänisjoki river system(1)(4). VisitKarelia notes how shorter marked walks tie into the same wider network(4). The Jänisjoen melontareitti (Joensuu) kayaking route passes close to the Koskenniska shore as part of the regional water trail network.

For planning and safety on this long-distance trail, start with the Kolinpolku page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Kontiolahti describes the route as moderate overall but demanding in Kolvananuuro and in Koli National Park because of large height differences, with paths, forest roads, duckboards, and bridges along the way(2). Visit North Karelia’s route card lists the full crossing toward Ukko-Koli at about 62 km, roughly 24 hours of walking time, about 938 m ascent and 781 m descent, and classifies the route as demanding(3). Via Karelia notes about fifteen rest points maintained by the municipality, paths and small roads, and marking with blue paint, name signs, Karjalan kierros signs, and E10 markers(4). Pohjois-Karjala is known for forest and lake scenery; Kontiolahti lies west of Koli. On the map, this route is about 37 km as one line from the Uuro-area start toward Urkkalampi laavu—shorter than the full Kolinpolku often quoted at roughly 62–63 km to the Koli national landscape(2)(3)(4). Treat the full distance and timing in Visit North Karelia and municipal text as the guide if you continue past this segment toward Herajärven kierros and Ukko-Koli(3)(4). From the early kilometres, Särkilammit nuotiopaikka offers a campfire stop in forest around Hautajärventie. Near 24 km from the start, Ahvenlampi autiotupa sits where Kolinpolku meets Herajärven kierros—useful for linking a longer Koli–Herajärvi loop. Hautajärven laavu and Matolampi nuotiopaikka sit in the same broad sector before the trail reaches the Kolvananuuro–Uuronvaara cluster. Around 27–28 km, Uuronvaara pysäköintialue gives road access near Koirilampi tulentekopaikka uusi, Pienen Koirilammen nuotiopaikka, and the marked side options Kolvananuuro uuronreitti and Kolvananuuron luontopolku in the gorge area. Salmilampi nuotiopaikka follows on forest fringe before the last stretch to Urkkalampi laavu at the route end. Independent hikers writing at Jalkaisin describe careful map use, occasional brushy sections, and a well-marked blue line on the Uuro–Urkkalampi stage(5). Kontionpolut and Jaama Trail–style links connect toward Joensuu and wider bike and walking networks near the municipality(2). The City of Kontiolahti publishes contact details for sports and outdoor staff if you need to report maintenance issues on fireplaces and lean-tos(2).

The Shepherd Boy Trail (Paimenpojan polku) is a long-distance hiking route in Joensuu in North Karelia, east of the city centre. On our map the trail is about 36.6 km from end to end as one continuous line and is not a closed loop; it runs from the Tuupovaara parish area south-west toward Hoilola, mostly following the Jänisjoki valley and its rapids(1). The City of Joensuu describes the route as demanding, marked in orange on the ground, and rich in river scenery, wildlife habitats, and cultural stops—check the Vekarus outdoor area pages for the latest on the Jänisjoki rope ferry, reservable huts, and sauna bookings(1). Visit Karelia’s Vekarus nature trail page adds practical detail on the short circular trail that shares part of the same ground at Vekarus(2). Retkipaikka’s two-day walk report, produced with Joensuu, gives a vivid on-the-ground feel for pacing, lean-tos, and the rope ferry at Kotajoki(3). From the Tuupovaara sports edge near Urheilutie, the line soon leaves roads for forest paths and joins the orange-marked corridor past Hopearinteen kuntosali and Tuupovaaran urheilukenttä. About 6.7 km in, Iivin laavu is a natural first longer break in spruce and ridge scenery. The middle third centres on Vekarus: Vekaruskosken esteetön kota, Myllykosken laavu - Tuupovaara, Vekaruksen varaustupa, and Vekaruksen laavu cluster around three rapids on the Vekarusjoki—this is where the 2.3 km Vekarus nature trail overlaps the long route, with suspension bridges and steep rocky short sections beside the water(1)(2). Kotajoen nuotiopaikka, Höttösen lintutorni, Pitkäkosken laavu - Öllölä, and Koskenniskan laavu line the river and museum stretch toward Öllölä; here the route meets Timo-Hilipan ansapolku, a short side loop from the mill museum yard showcasing traditional traps(1). Koskenniskan esteetön kota, Öllölän uimapaikka, and Pörtsämön nuotiopaikka support breaks before the last forested kilometres to Kuikkalammen laavu near the southern end. The Jänisjoen melontareitti (Joensuu) kayaking route uses the same river system—paddlers and hikers cross paths especially around Vekarus and Koskenniska(1). Hoilolan perinteiset ladut and other winter routes share some shore facilities near Koskenniska in season; the main hiking line is a summer and autumn walking route. For a compact taste of Vekarus without the full crossing, walk the Vekarus nature trail from the Kärnäläntie parking area(2). Joensuu lies in North Karelia. Tuupovaara and Hoilola are part of today’s Joensuu municipality; local access notes and the Salakkasahin rope ferry are summarized on Tuupovaara-area visitor pages as well(4).

For practical access and parking behaviour beside the bird tower, the City of Rääkkylä’s outdoor routes pages are the place to check(1). Visit Karelia hosts the municipality’s Oravilahd culture and nature trail description, which ties the same birdwatching point into a longer marked circuit through the village church and the drained-basin farmland around Lintulinna(2). The Jouhtenuslampi path to the bird tower is about 0.4 km as one short, non-looping walk in Rääkkylä, North Karelia, skirting Jouhtenuslampi toward the viewing tower known locally as Lintulinna. That puts you over one of the North Karelia bird-lake complexes that Finnish Natura inventories list at European level: the Jouhtenuslampi site has been a Birds Directive special protection area since 1998, and EUNIS lists dozens of qualifying bird species for that protected area(3). Expect a brief, easy foot trip from the main parking next to the tower rather than an all-day hike. The municipal page emphasises ample space beside Lintulinna but discourages leaving cars along Penkkatie, where roadside parking is poor for other road users(1). Looking outward, the open wetland and field mosaic in this part of Oravilahd is what draws spring and autumn waterfowl and wader traffic; bring binoculars and move quietly near the tower so resting flocks are not flushed unnecessarily. The wider Oravilahd route network is marked with blue signs reading K-U REITTI for walkers and cyclists touring the 8.6 km ring that passes Rääkkylä Church and this tower(2). This 0.4 km segment is the compact option when you only want the lake edge and the elevated hide. Rääkkylä sits on the northern Saimaa lake district. Paper trail maps for municipal routes are available from the leisure services desk; contact details are on the same municipal outdoor pages(1).

Matkalampi Trail is a medium-length forest route in Liperi’s Kinttupolut network (about 65 km across seven linked circuits east of Joensuu). The City of Liperi maintains maps, GPX files, rest-area details, and rule updates for the whole system on its Kinttupolut pages(1). Visit North Karelia describes Matkalampi Trail as one of the prettiest needle-carpet sections of the network, with shoreline walking at Sompalampi and a highlight in the Kotisalo nature reserve beside Lake Hovatta(2). Metsähallitus also lists the route on Luontoon.fi for national outdoor planning(3). The trail is about 15.7 km long as mapped here. It is a point-to-point line through forest and local roads, not a closed loop. Markers in the field are blue(2). Early on you reach Vaaralammen kota, a hut with a fireplace and firewood—about 4 km from a typical start—where Kinttupolut / Pahakala Trail meets the same rest point; dry toilets and an info board are part of the city’s published service list(1). Farther along, Sompalammen laavu sits near Matkalammentie with a lean-to, fireplace, and firewood; Kinttupolut / Jyri Trail and the mountain-bike line along Matkalampi share this junction, so expect cyclists and runners as well as hikers(1)(2). Between these shelters the path threads mixed needle forest, old track beds, and short gravel connectors on Matkalammentie and Vaiviontie as the municipality describes(1). Near Ylämylly the line passes Honkalampi’s school and recreation cluster—tennis, ball fields, and the local sports park—where Honkalammen valaistu kuntorata also runs—before finishing at Honkalammen uimaranta on Honkaranta, a swimming beach with space to cool off after the kilometres(1). Kotisalo’s paths around Hovatta add a quieter stretch with old pines, a small swimming jetty, and berries in good seasons; a short video introduction to the reserve is linked from Visit North Karelia’s page(2). Liperi lies in North Karelia; Ylämylly has shops and cafés within easy reach of the trail(2).

Lieksa sits in North Karelia, and this trail runs through the Koli part of the national park and national landscape. For the latest official description, difficulty class, and service links, use the Luontoon.fi trail page for Kasken kierros(1). Broader route lists, accommodation, and village context for the Koli area are on the Koli & Lieksa outdoor pages(3). Kasken kierros is about 5.5 km as one walking line. It is themed around slash-and-burn heritage and traditional farm landscapes: the Luontoon.fi entry places it in Koli National Park and frames it as a culture-and-nature walk through old meadows and forest(1). In a Retkipaikka article, Luontopolkumies walked from Koli harbour, measured about 3.3 km for that harbour-based round, and notes green markings on the excursion map, a stiff climb right after the harbour, wide dry paths without rocky scrambling, roughly ten new information boards on slash-and-burn and meadow management, and two main fireplace rest areas toward Vaaralanaho and Turula(2). The same write-up highlights Mattila, Ollila, and Turula as historic farmsteads along the way, with seasonal café possibilities at Mattila and a well at Ollila(2). Near the trail start, Ryynänen sauna, Kolin virkistysalueen laavu, Kolin virkistysalueen ulkokuntosali, and Kolin kylän frisbeegolfrata sit in the same recreation pocket beside Kolintie. About half a kilometre along the line, Ollila pysäköintialue offers a parking option if you join the route by car partway. Mattila kaivo comes next in the farm mosaic; Turula telttailualue, Turulan tulentekopaikka, Turula tulentekopaikka, and Turula kuivakäymälä cluster as a break zone with tent space, two campfire spots, and a dry toilet. Vaaralanaho kuivakäymälä and Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka mark a higher rest area with a fireplace. Toward the end of the line, Kolin sataman pysäköintialue, Uimahuoneen kävelysilta, and Kolin satama Alamaja sit together at the harbour—handy for food and lake views after the forest section. The route shares junctions with other Koli networks: Kolin kesäkahvilakierros, UKK-reitti (Lieksa), Kylän Polku, Mattila–Vaaralanaho polku, and Sataman polku overlap or branch nearby, and winter ski or running trails such as Kolin valaistu latu Lieksa and Kolin valaistu kuntorata/Lieksa use the same recreation fabric—check season-specific grooming on the official site rather than assuming summer foot access on ski treads(1)(3).

Pirhun Circle is about 18 km through Metsähallitus-managed Koitajoki country in Ilomantsi, North Karelia, hard against Finland’s eastern border. The circuit crosses Koivusuo Strict Nature Reserve (stay on the marked trail only), climbs through mixed forest to Pirhunvaara with its historic forest-ranger yard now used for research, and returns along Koitajoki with two seasonal hand-drawn cable ferries documented by Metsähallitus(1). For ferry calendars, flood advisories, and equipment changes, start with the Pirhun kierto page on Luontoon.fi(1); Metsähallitus also publishes live Koitajoki updates at luontoon.fi/koitajoki/ajankohtaista(1). VisitKarelia summarizes terrain, shelters, weak mobile coverage, and warnings about narrow tread and worn duckboards(2). Visit Ilomantsi adds local headlines—for example autumn 2025 notes about the Asumajoki ferry on Pirhun kierto(3). Luontopolkumies’s detailed Retkipaikka article names orange paint marks, 22 nature-trail boards along the first eight kilometres, a clockwise circuit encouraged by signage, generous duckboard mileage, and a long but relaxed day on foot(4). Ilomantsi lies in North Karelia’s border forests; pairing place names with a paper map or offline GPX is wise because the wider Koitajoki reserve is largely out of mobile coverage(2). From the Polvikoski end, the opening kilometre is easy forest road and riverside track. About 2.4 km in you reach Koitajoki ylityslautta Asumajokisuu, then Asumajoki tulentekopaikka, Asumajoki laavu, and the Asumajoki dry-toilet cluster—good first break spots before Koivusuo. After the bog crossing the route gains Pirhunvaara; Pirhunvaara talon kaivo marks the farm yard area. Further north, Verkkopudas tulentekopaikka, Verkkopudas kuivakäymälä, and Verkkopudas autiotupa sit together as a shelter and campfire hub, then Koidanvaara kuivakäymälä, Koidanvaara tulentekopaikka, and Koidanvaaran laavu cluster near Koitajoki ylityslautta Koidanvaara. Pirtupolku pysäköintialue is the northern parking pocket on the loop. Heading south again, Pirhunvaara kuivakäymälä sits with Pirhunvaara talon kaivo above the Palokangas stretch. Palokangas kuivakäymälä and Palokangas tulentekopaikka offer a late campfire stop before Polvikoski pysäköintialue 2 and Polvikoski pysäköintalue beside POLVIKOSKI eräkämppä at the river. Dry toilets are spaced at the main clusters. The route shares trail threads with Koitajoki reitti and Tapion Taival Trail, so you can extend onto longer Koitajoki circuits or combine with their hut networks if you plan spare time and ferries carefully.

Kuusipolku Nature Trail is a short, marked loop of about 2.6 km on the fringes of Patvinsuo National Park in North Karelia. Lieksa is the nearest town for travel planning. Metsähallitus manages the trail; the Luontoon.fi trail page(1) is the best place to confirm current conditions and park rules. The loop starts from Autiovaara pysäköintialue, where a picnic table group makes it easy to sort gear before and after the walk. Information boards along the route explain the forest and local history. The path follows the shoulder of a hill through old slash-and-burn forest and mixed spruce woodland, with duckboards on wet sections. Compared with Patvinsuo’s famous bog boards, the vegetation and relief here feel distinct. VisitKarelia(2) notes roughly 60 m of ascent and 57 m of descent, highest point about 225 m and lowest about 165 m, and classifies the hike as demanding because of the roots and elevation changes—waterproof boots or sturdy shoes are sensible, and duckboards and roots can be slippery after rain(2). Birdwatchers may hear mixed-forest species; rare sightings include red-flanked bluetail, spotted flycatcher and wood sandpiper(2). Flying squirrels and pine martens also use these shady old stands(2). Bracket fungi and wood-decay fungi add colour, and some aspens reach very large girths(2). The same parking area also anchors the related Kuusipolku hiking route on our map if you want a longer variant from Autiovaara. For a more personal on-the-ground feel, Tiinan hiking blog Kävelystä ja elämästä describes the counter-clockwise circuit as marked, narrow tread weaving moss, stones and blowdown roots, with maintenance clearing fallen trees after storms(3).

Harbour Trail is about 2.2 km one-way on our map, a demanding but short climb from Koli harbour toward the Ukko-Koli visitor ridge in Lieksa, North Karelia, inside Koli National Park. It is a point-to-point walk: you start at the lakeshore services and gain height up Ipatinvaara toward the nature centre and hotel yard, not a loop you can walk back along the same sheltered shoreline without planning a return by road, lift or another trail. For route descriptions, seasonal status, national park rules on open fires and pets, and how junction marking works on the ground, treat the Sataman polku trail page on Luontoon.fi(1) as the starting point. Metsähallitus(2) has described the 2023 renewal of target boards along the same historic line, funded in part by the Beetles LIFE beetle-habitat work at Koli. Caravan-lehti(3) offers a compact visitor-facing recap that still points back to Luontoon.fi for the authoritative map and brochure. At the harbour end you are beside Kolin satama Alamaja, the Kolin sataman pysäköintialue and the Uimahuoneen kävelysilta footbridge over the swimming hut inlet—useful landmarks whether you arrive by car or by lake boat from Vuonislahti in season. About one and a half kilometres into the climb the Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka sits near Vaaralanaho kuivakäymälä; dry toilets and the marked campfire place make this a natural pause before the last pull toward Ylä-Koli. Higher up you pass the main upper carparks—Koli pysäköintialue 1 and Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3—then move through the built visitor cluster around Koli Relax Spa, Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus and Kolin luontokeskus Ukko, ending near Pääministerin tulentekopaikka below the nature centre forecourt. The same corridor links in practice to several shorter pieces of the wider Koli hiking network: Old Alamaja Path at the harbour, Kolin kesäkahvilakierros and Kasken kierros around the mid-slope clearings, UKK-reitti (Lieksa) shares forest-track sections and the Huippujen Kierros ring once you are on the open fells. Pick the combination that matches how much height and crowding you want that day. Traditional travellers reached Koli from Vuonislahti by ship and then walked this line; scheduled boat service on M/S Marival II still mirrors part of that journey in summer, which Metsähallitus(2) highlights together with a larger Sataman pysäköintialue at Rantatie 6 for drivers.

For how Matin polku, Yhdyspolku, and Pajarin polku fit together around Hutsi Urheilukeskus, Kiteen kaupunki lists the local nature-trail family under Luontopolut and links the wider Karelianpolut maps from the same outdoor pages(1)(2). Visit Karelia spells out visitor guidance for Matin polku and the Pajarin lenkki branch—where to park, how dense the junction network feels, and why you should read the posted maps carefully before you stride into the forest(3)(4). The trail is about 8.3 km as mapped and wanders the Hutsi sports-and-ridge landscape in Kitee, North Karelia. Kiteen kaupunki describes Matin polku as roughly two kilometres through ridge forest beside the centre, starting from VesPeli and passing the ice hall, with nature boards about forests and glacial landforms, and honours pastor Matti Hakulinen in the name(1). Yhdyspolku links that loop toward Pajarin polku and the story-rich Pajarinmäki circuit above Hyypiö and Lake Kitee(1). Visit Karelia refines the feel of the woods: esker slopes from retreating ice, mostly easy walking with duckboards over the rockiest steps, yellow trail marks on the nature routes, and reminders that many other outdoor lines—including the red-marked Hutsi Trail mountain-bike loop from Karelianpolut—cross the same terrain, so keep an eye on intersection boards and carry the PDF overview when you can(2)(3)(4). Along the route you thread the facilities block most people associate with VesPeli: Kiteen uimahalli VesPeli, Urheilutalo VesPeli, Urheilutalo VesPelin ryhmäliikuntatila, and VesPelin kuntosali sit within a few dozen metres of one another, which is why lit running tracks such as Hutsin kuntorata 3 km, Hutsin kuntorata 5 km, and the Hutsin kansanhiihtolatu options feel sewn into the same yard. A little farther along the route brushes Kiteen jäähalli, Hutsin koulun sisäampumarata, and Hutsin koulun liikuntasali before climbing toward the jump hills Hutsin hyppyrimäki K56 and Hutsin hyppyrimäki K34/K18/K12/K7 above the stadium bowl. The southern stretch opens into the multisport terraces: Hutsin urheilukenttä, Hutsin pallokenttä 1, Hutsin pallokenttä 2, Hutsin tenniskentät, Hutsin frisbeegolfrata, Hutsin skeittipaikka, Hutsin Urheilukeskuksen ulkokuntoilualue, and the long climb of Hutsin Urheilukeskuksen kuntoportaat are all part of the same busy Hutsi outdoor room, so you can pair a forest outing with disc golf, calisthenics, or a stadium lap on another day. If you want a longer bike-focused loop after sampling the woods, the neighbouring Karelianpolut / Hutsi Trail shares trailhead space and marking colours aimed at riders(2). When snow lies deep, the parallel Hutsin kansanhiihtolatu tracks and the wider Peltola ski network (including Peltolan hiihtolatu 11 km past Luppokota) extend winter options only a short hop away. The Ilmarinen video “Kitee Karelianpolut” gives an aerial feel for how the Kitee network hangs together before you head out.

Path to Metsäpirtti is a short hiking link of about half a kilometre on the southern Herajärven kierros network in Kontiolahti, North Karelia, within the Koli national park and national landscape area. It is a point-to-point forest path, not a loop, and connects the main blue-marked Herajärven kierros corridor with the Metsäpirtti and Honkapirtti service cluster and the Seppälä buildings at the far end. For the wider southern circuit, season information, and national park rules, Luontoon.fi(1) is the primary official source. At the trail junction described along the Törisevä former meadow section, herajarvenkierros.fi(2) explains that the branch toward the lake reaches Metsäpirtti varaustupa on the Herajärvi shore in about half a kilometre, while the branch toward Seppälä vuokratupa is about four hundred metres from that junction; during the grazing season from spring to autumn, the Seppälä farmyard may be in use for the park’s sheep grazing. The same narrative paints the setting: old winter-road openings, duckboards at the mire edge, and open meadow before the paths divide. Retkipaikka(3) offers a readable on-the-ground account of Herajärven kierros in Koli for overall pacing and terrain expectations on the long circuit, which helps situate this short side link in context. Along the mapped segment you pass Metsäpirtti vuokratupa and Metsäpirtti kuivakäymälä at the Metsäpirtti end, then Honkapirtti sauna, Honkapirtti varaustupa at Herajärven rantatie 37c, and Honkapirtti käymälä a little way along. Toward the Seppälä end you reach Seppälä vuokratupa, Seppälä sauna, and Seppälä tulentekopaikka. Dry toilets sit with the service buildings; use them as shared facilities for the hut and sauna areas rather than as separate destinations. The trail is an easy add-on when you are already walking Herajärven kierros, Kiehisen kierros, or the Lakkala - Seppälä - Vesivaara polku and want to reach the Metsäpirtti and Seppälä rentals, sauna, and campfire spot without leaving the marked system.

Onkilampi Trail is an easy family-friendly circuit around Lake Onkilampi in Kontiolahti beside Lehmo, on the boundary with Joensuu in North Karelia. The trail is about 4.2 km. For maps, access points, and how it fits the wider Harjupolut set, start with the City of Kontiolahti’s outdoor trails hub(1). Visit North Karelia’s Onkilampi page adds practical detail on blue waymarking, the lakeshore swimming beach, benches, and links to Lehmonharju Trail and regional networks(2). The route sits beside the Lehmo sports area: you pass or start near Lehmon tekonurmikenttä, Lehmon nurmikenttä, Lehmon ulkokuntosali, Lehmon treeniportaat, and Julien pallokenttä before reaching Onkilammen uimaranta about 0.8 km into the walk—good for a swim after a lap. Terrain is mostly easy forest path with roots and duckboards on wet sections(2). The City of Kontiolahti describes Onkilammen luontopolku as a roughly four-kilometre circuit on the Kontiolahti side with access also from Valimontie and, on the Joensuu side, from Onkilammentie(1). Play Kontiolahti runs a QR-code nature adventure along Onkilampi Trail and Lehmonharju Trail; you need a smartphone with data(3). Independent walkers on Lily’s Hei joku Joensuu blog report a relaxed circuit of about four kilometres in roughly an hour, with berries in season and several path junctions where a map helps(4). The Harjupolut ridge network on Lehmonharju and Utranharju was completed in 2022 as a Joensuu–Kontiolahti joint project(5). From Onkilampi you can connect to the pink-marked Lehmonharju Trail and the wider Harjupolut routes, Jaama Trail, and beyond toward Joensuu’s path network and Koli-country long-distance links described regionally(2)(5).

Lieksa anchors the Koli visitor area in North Karelia. Koli Village Path is about 2.9 km one-way between Koli village and the Ukko-Koli visitor area inside Koli National Park. For route descriptions, photos, difficulty notes and national park rules, start from the Kylän polku section on Luontoon.fi(1). Metsähallitus also publishes a printable map and route brochure for this nature trail(2). The walk begins in the village recreational cluster around Kolintie, where you pass Kolin kylän frisbeegolfrata, Ryynänen sauna, Kolin virkistysalueen ulkokuntosali and Kolin virkistysalueen laavu—handy if you want a warm-up, a lean-to break or a look at the outdoor gym before climbing toward the fells. About 0.6 km in, Ollila pysäköintialue offers a roadside parking option if you are joining the route partway. Farther on, Mattila kaivo marks an old well in the Mattila heritage landscape described in park publicity(2), and the Turula meadow area groups Turula telttailualue with Turula tulentekopaikka, Turulan tulentekopaikka and Turula kuivakäymälä together—useful for tenting or a campfire stop with dry toilets nearby. Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka and Vaaralanaho kuivakäymälä sit a little higher in the Vaarala heritage setting before the path eases into the busier Ylä-Koli service yard: Koli pysäköintialue 1, Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3, Koli Relax Spa, Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus and Kolin luontokeskus Ukko, ending near Pääministerin tulentekopaikka below the lookout cliff. Metsähallitus markets the renovated trail as a themed nature path: interpretive panels recount stories of hill-settlement folklore, village growth, early tourism and how the national park came to be, crossing Mattila and Vaarala heritage land, Ipatinvaara slope forest and the upper-yard services such as the hotel-restaurant and Kolin luontokeskus Ukko(2). The climb is advertized as demanding overall but mostly on wide, relatively easy foot tread despite large height gain—a fit visitor can still enjoy the ascent if you allow time(2). Cocoa etsimässä describes hiking the same connector from Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä toward Ukko-Koli and finding the steady uphill manageable at ordinary fitness levels(3). At the top you are in the same busy summit realm as Huippujen Kierros, Sataman polku and Kolin kesäkahvilakierros; many people combine Kylän polku upward with Huippujen Kierros or link down later via Kasken kierros or UKK-reitti (Lieksa) depending on the day plan. Near Mattila kaivo you also brush the short Mattila–Vaaralanaho polku and Vanhan metsän polku connectors that local maps show around the harbour side of the village network.

Salpapolku in Rääkkylä is a short hiking route of about 2.9 km in North Karelia’s lake and island country. Do not confuse it with the long Salpapolku trail in southeast Finland (roughly 50 km between Virolahti and Miehikkälä): this is a separate, local path in Rääkkylä. Matkalla Suomessa lists Salpapolku among local sights with the address Hakoniementie 34, Rääkkylä(1). For other signposted walks and cycling loops in the municipality, Visit Karelia publishes several Rääkkylä routes with practical access notes(2). Pohjoinen Saimaa summarises hiking in Heinävesi, Liperi, and Rääkkylä as forest and lake landscapes with resting places along the way(5). Along the route you pass Salpapolun laavu, a lean-to in the forest about 2 km from the start—Laavu.org records its position for trip planning(3). Near the end of the line, Hernevaaran uimapaikka (Hernevaara swimming place) sits by the water on Pässiniementie; it is one of Rääkkylä’s municipal beaches and makes a natural swim or picnic stop if you combine it with this walk(1). The path is not a closed loop: you walk it as a there-and-back or shuttle between ends depending on how you park. Where the trail meets the wider network, the Karelianpolut / Saaristo Trail cycling route runs on the same corridor near Salpapolun laavu—useful if you link a family bike day with a short foot loop. A Liperi–Rääkkylä snowmobile route passes in the same general area in winter; stay aware of winter motor traffic if you walk nearby then. The name Salpapolku refers to the Salpa Line, Finland’s huge Second World War–era fortification zone along the eastern frontier; Retkipaikka describes the line’s scale and history for readers who want background, though the famous long-distance Salpapolu hiking trail follows that story in a different region(4). Dry toilets may be available at developed beaches and service points in the municipality; follow local signs at Hernevaara.

Lakkapolku is a short, easy nature loop in Patvinsuo National Park near Lieksa in North Karelia. Metsähallitus publishes Patvinsuo’s hiking trail descriptions and visitor rules on Luontoon.fi(1); the Patvinsuo hiking and outdoor recreation pages there are the right place to start for closures and the wider trail network. Via Karelia’s Patvinsuo introduction situates the park where northern and southern bog landscapes meet—useful background before you head for the boardwalks(3). The trail is about 3.2 km and makes a loop across Surkansuo, a compact raised-bog mosaic with stretches of open bog, pine-topped islets, and forested transitions. Much of the way is on duckboards; after wet weather the boards can sit shallowly under water, so rubber boots are often the sensible choice. Marked paint on trees guides the route; Luontopolkumies’ article on Retkipaikka describes clockwise travel and blue tree markings as seen on the ground(2). Along the way, interpretation boards introduce bog plants and wildlife. About 2 km into the loop you reach Lakkapolun lintulava, a bird hide overlooking Surkanlampi—an easy place to pause with binoculars or a snack. There is no designated campfire site on this loop; plan breaks at the hide or on dry islets with care for the bog. The main car access described in trail write-ups is Surkansuon pysäköintialue on Suomuntie near the signed trailhead; Luukangas pysäköintialue is another park parking area in the same area if you are linking visits. Picking cloudberries, cranberries, and other bog berries is part of the appeal in season; independent hikers on Retkipaikka note how rich the berry spots can be in autumn(2). Before the midpoint, you may notice an island of older burnt trunks—materials tied to a 1989 experimental burn plot for fire-ecology research are described in park-oriented sources(2). Allow about one to two hours depending on photos, berries, and birdwatching.

For closures, season rules, and the wider service map around Koli harbour, start with the Koli National Park section on Luontoon.fi(1). Metsähallitus public messaging around the harbour describes the renewed Sataman polku from the same quay toward Ukko-Koli, the Alamaja building that houses the harbour restaurant and visitor services, and why this shoreline mattered to Finland’s earliest resort visitors(2). The Old Alamaja Path is about 0.3 km as mapped and sits right at Koli harbour in Lieksa, North Karelia. It is a short harbourside link between Kolin sataman pysäköintialue, Kolin satama Alamaja at the old lower lodge site, and Uimahuoneen kävelysilta—the footbridge toward the historic beach and swimming house end of the harbour. Think of it as a few minutes on mostly level, gravel-topped surfaces where coaches, boat passengers, and day hikers cross paths, not a backcountry outing. Because the segment lies on the Sataman polku start zone described on Luontoon.fi, it plugs straight into that demanding 2.1 km one-way climb up Ipatinvaara toward Ukko-Koli when you want a full ascent profile, photos of the stone trail pointer, and Metsähallitus difficulty notes(3). If you are stitching a longer day, the same harbour corner also connects to Vanhan metsän polku, Kasken kierros, and Kolin kesäkahvilakierros on our map, plus Ukko-Koli eastern slope trails a little farther uphill. Regional guidance for the long Kolinpolku landscape explains how lake Pielinen views, marked trails, and seasonal caution on rocks and thawing paths fit together for Koli visitors(4). After you warm up on this shoreline link, you can decide whether to join Sataman polku’s climb, hop a boat schedule noted in Metsähallitus copy for Vuonislahti connections, or spread the day across the many harbour and Ukko-Koli services already clustered here.

The Lower Koitajoki hiking route is a demanding riverside trail on the Joensuu–Ilomantsi border along Ala-Koitajoki. For the full network—both trailheads, ring options, difficulty class, safety notes, and the official PDF map—Visit Karelia publishes the route guide written by the City of Joensuu(1). The City of Ilomantsi maintains its municipal hiking trails and rest spots during the hiking season from late May through the end of October, with natural conditions in mind(2). This Ilomantsi leg is about 16.6 km as one continuous riverside walk, not a loop. It forms part of the larger Ala-Koitajoki system: walking the full river corridor and ring options and returning to the start adds up to roughly 35 km in total(1). Early on you pass Hanhilahden nuotiopaikka and soon reach Tiaisenkosken laavu—both good stops before the path tightens on rockier ground. Around the mid section, Räväkkäkosken laavu sits where the river’s rapids are a focal point. Farther along, Hiiskoski veneenlaskupaikka marks practical river access at Kivilahdentie 155 / Hiiskoski. Near the end of this segment, Mäntykosken tulentekopaikka offers another campfire stop along Hiirenvaarantie. The terrain is often rocky and narrow; Retkipaikka’s account of a family hike describes the route as hard going for small children and anyone unsteady on rough ground(3). The same river system continues into the Joensuu-side leg Ala-Koitajoen retkeilyreitti/Joensuu, where Kuusamonkosken laavu, Pamilonkosken esteetön avokota, Kuusamonpyörteen laavu, and Kalliokosken laavu sit on the connecting stretch—useful if you are planning a longer outing or a second day. The Pamilonkoski end of the wider network includes an accessible approach to a lean-to and viewing area for the rapids(1). Timber-floating history, ice-age landforms, and hydropower at Pamilon and Hiiskoski shape how the river looks today; Retkipaikka gives a readable on-the-ground picture of Pamilonkoski and the dammed reach toward Pielisjoki(3).

The Ritojärvi loop is about 5.4 km around Pieni Ritojärvi near Lieksa in North Karelia. Day hikers follow duckboards across open mire, climb onto the narrow Ritosärkä ridge, and return along the forested lakeshore with views toward the water. Lieksa Travel introduces the trail together with Pieni Ritojärvi laavu for a packed lunch, the scenic Kontiovaarantie approach, and traces of past travel along the ridge(1). Via Karelia summarises access from highway 522, mentions good bilberry and lingonberry picking in autumn, and points to the Koli Nature Centre Ukko contact line for general questions about the wider area listing(2). On the ground, the route stitches together mire, small pine banks, a road crossing, and a steeper pull onto the ridge before long, easy walking above the lake. Retkipaikka’s on-foot account by Luontopolkumies spells out yellow paint blazes, route number 584 in that writer’s numbering system, well-kept duckboards on Kylkisuon, a sharp-looking climb after Kontiovaarantie, optional 1920s cart sheds on a short unmarked spur on the old ridge road, striking dead pines on the crest, and the main fire-ring rest roughly five kilometres along on the lake’s eastern side(3). Our map places Pieni Ritojärvi laavu, Pieni Ritojärvi tulentekopaikka, and a dry toilet together at the lake-end cluster, with Pieni Ritojärvi pysäköintialue a little farther along the line for motorists. The trailhead sits along Kontiovaarantie south-east of central Lieksa. There is no public transport to the trailhead; Retkipaikka notes a small parking strip sized for about five or six cars(3). In winter the same corridor may be shared with maintained snowmobile routing—Hatunkylä–Ritojärvi Moottorikelkkaura meets this geometry—so stay alert for season-specific rules and other users if you visit when snowmobile traffic is active.

Oravantaival is about 37.6 km of point-to-point hiking in Kiihtelysvaara, Joensuu, in North Karelia. The City of Joensuu describes it as a long-distance trail from Riuttalampi in Särkivaara to Raatevaara village hall, passing through Heinävaara with links toward Kiihtelysvaara centre and Jänispolku; the route is easy going overall, with duckboards on wet ground and red markings in the terrain, and five laavut along the way(1). The Kiihtelysvaara parish pages set the same trail in the ancient Karelian upland landscape between Heinävaara and Raatevaara, alongside Hiidenvaaran luontopolku as a shorter neighbour(2). Retkipaikka republished a weekend journal by Simeon Turpeinen and Ville Honkanen that names Riuttalammen, Iso-Valkealammen, Joutenlammen, Metsälammen, and Purnukorven laavut, resupply at Heinävaara shops, boardwalks in wind-exposed mire, and wartime earthworks near Metsälampi—worth reading for pacing and atmosphere(3). Joensuu lies in North Karelia. The trail runs southeast across forest roads and easy paths; elevation gain on a common GPX profile is on the order of a few hundred metres. Around 12 km from the start the route passes Heinävaara village: Heinävaaran kaukalo, Heinävaaran lähiliikuntapaikka, Heinävaaran pallokenttä, and the school sports cluster sit beside the same sports hub where Heinävaaran valaistu kuntorata and Heinävaaran valaistu latu connect for winter skiing and lit running. Toward Raatevaara you approach Raatevaaran pallokenttä near the northern village edge. The route shares corridors in places with local snowmobile connectors such as Kiihtelysvaara–Reijola and Reijola–Raatevaara—hikers should stay on the marked walking route and be aware of other trail users where networks overlap. Terrain is mostly forest road and gentle path with roughly two kilometres of duckboards through wet sections; waterproof footwear helps after rain. Mountain bikers also use the corridor; a documented GPX variant bypasses Ilomantsintie and Heinävaara services via a gravel pit(4). Geocachers maintain many caches along the corridor—carry a map or phone with offline maps because phone coverage is patchy in places(3).

The Murroojärvi fishing trail is about 1.4 km as one walking line in the southwestern part of Metsähallitus’ Ruunaa hiking area near Lieksanjoki and Murroojärvi. For maps, arrival, parking across Ruunaa, and area-wide rules, start from the Ruunaa pages on Luontoon.fi(1). City of Lieksa(2) publishes regional hiking context and contacts for local trail maintenance, and Visit Karelia’s Ruunaan Koskikierros page(3) describes how fishing is woven into river and rapid access in this landscape. The short segment is aimed at anglers and walkers moving between lake and river shores: early on you are near Murroojärven laavu with Murroojärvi tulentekopaikka and Murroojärvi kuivakäymälä tucked in the same cluster, then the line crosses the mooring belt toward Murroonkangas tulentekopaikka and Murroonkangas kuivakäymälä before dipping toward Niskalahti tulentekopaikka. Siikakosken kalatie asuntovaunualue 3 and Siikakoski kalatie asuntovaunualue 1 offer motorhome parking beside the trout-trail access road if you are staging a vehicle closer to the river. Toward Murrookoski you pass Murrookoski kuivakäymälä and reach Murrookosken laavu and Murrookoski tulentekopaikka above the rapid noise, with Murrookoskentien pysäköintipaikka kuivakäymälä serving drivers on the forest road. The shore section finishes past Murroopuro tulentekopaikka and Murroosuvannon laavu toward Murroosuvanto tulentekopaikka and Murroosuvanto kuivakäymälä. For a full-day circuit around Murroojärvi with the rowing ferry at Vastuuniemi and longer boardwalks, tie in Ruunaa Vastuuniemen kierros instead of treating this as the whole hike. Tiina’s outdoor blog Kävelystä ja elämästä(4) documents a roughly ten-kilometre day around Murroojärvi from Horkka-direction parking—wide boardwalks through wet ground, clear signposts with maps, and busy rowing boats at the lake crossing—which matches the kind of terrain and services you should expect in this corner of Ruunaa even on shorter links. North Karelia lies east of Finland’s population belt; Lieksa is the main gateway municipality for Ruunaa combined with Joensuu rail or road access described on Visit Karelia(3). Anglers need the appropriate Ruunaankosket or other permits before fishing; the trail itself is part of the shore access network rather than a separate fee area on the pages reviewed.

For up-to-date descriptions of the Harjupolut network, start with the Municipality of Kontiolahti’s nature and outdoor routes page and the City of Joensuu’s nature trails and hiking routes hub(1)(2). Together they describe Harjupolut as a versatile trail system of about 18 km total, completed around the Lehmonharju–Utranharju ridge area on the Joensuu–Kontiolahti border in 2022, aimed at local outdoor use for residents of both municipalities. Planning and on-trail guidance received support through ELY-centre funding for developing local recreation and green areas(1)(2). The line on our map is about 17.2 km end to end and is not a loop. In practical terms the network is four named trails that can be combined. Lehmonharju Trail follows the open ridge top. Onkilampi Trail passes Onkilampi with a swimming beach and long stretches of duckboards that demand attention from riders. Monttu Trail includes small pits and a lean-to, and Utra Trail adds a built pumptrack-style skills section aimed at practising bike handling(1)(2)(4). Jaama Trail links Harjupolut into Joensuu’s wider ring-shaped trail network for longer rides(1)(2). Along this line, the first kilometre reaches Julien pallokenttä and soon after Onkilammen uimaranta for a swim break in summer. Around 4–6 km you move through the Lehmon sports cluster at Lehmon nurmikenttä, Lehmon tekonurmikenttä, Lehmon ulkokuntosali and Lehmon treeniportaat—useful if you want strength stairs or outdoor gym equipment beside the forest trail. Roughly 10 km from the start you come to Utranharjun laavu, a place to pause with a roof and firewood typical of lean-tos in North Karelia; see more on our Utranharjun laavu page. Further along, Jokirannan Ratsastuskoulun kenttä Kontiolahti appears near the line before the route approaches the Törönpuro ball-field area. Visit Karelia’s route tip (written by the City of Joensuu) emphasises good signage and multiple marking colours on the trail network, recommends a GPX or the downloadable Harjupolut map pdf for fluent navigation, and reminds that wet roots and rocks get slippery(3). The same page notes regular local buses to both main car parks with a short link along Jaama Trail from the stops(3). Karjalainen’s coverage from opening summer adds that Lehmonharju Trail is marked pink in the terrain and that warning signs accompany the route plaques(4). PuPaKot’s walk-in blog from the Utranharju area sketches how kettle holes, small ponds, esker forests and old sand pits characterise the ridge landscape around Utranharjun laavu—useful background on why the terrain feels varied even on a short outing(5).

Kuhasalo Nature Trail is about 3.3 km on Kukkosensaari in Joensuu, North Karelia, a short walk or cycle from the market square along Pyhäselkä shoreline. The City of Joensuu manages the Kuhasalo recreation area; for firewood, parking, reservations, and the area map, the City of Joensuu Kuhasalo page is the best place to start(1). Visit Karelia describes the marked route network around the headland, six fire places with views over Pyhäselkä, and a demanding accessible classification that calls for an assistant on uneven ground(2). Mikko Lemmetti’s Retkipaikka article on Kuhasalo captures the mix of open lake shore, rocky bays, and darker spruce forest, and the story of the monastery memorial and Kalmoniemi(3). The built route follows a roughly 2.2 km ring along the southern shore with three public fire places, and a branch of about 0.5 km to Kalmoniemi with three more fire places and a picnic area near the monastery memorial(1). The northern part of the island also has unmarked paths without separate guidance(1). Along the shore the path is rocky in places; roots near the water can make strollers need small detours(3). Heritage sheep graze a meadow field next to the start in summer(1). Two shelters belong to local associations: Joensuu Latu’s Kuhamaja is mainly for members, while Joensuu Fishing Society’s Kalmonkatiska can be booked for private use(1)(3). Winter use is not machine-groomed on the trails themselves; nearby Pyhäselkä ski tracks may reach the area in good snow seasons(2). Stay off unsafe ice near river currents at the mouth of the Pielisjoki(2).

Elovaaran harjupolku is about 2 km of hiking on the Salpausselkä esker at Elovaara in Hammaslahti, south of Joensuu in North Karelia. For route descriptions, marking colours, rest facilities, and access addresses, start with the City of Joensuu’s nature trails listing(1). The ridge trail mostly follows esker crests above deep, vegetated suppa depressions; views open best in spring before full leaf cover(1). About three quarters of a kilometre from the start you reach Elovaaran luontopolun laavu beside a small pond—handy for a longer outing combined with Elovaaran luontopolku, which shares the same laavu. The trailhead area at the Harjupolku parking includes Elovaaran esteetön avokota: an accessible open kota, a campfire place, and a dry toilet, with firewood supplied by the city(1). The terrain is easy underfoot but rolling, typical of esker country—benches along the way make short breaks comfortable(2). Suden Saaga’s blog describes combining Luontopolku and Harjupolku into roughly 4 km and notes steady foot traffic on fine days(3). Read more on our pages for the kota and laavu for facility details. Marking is by posts and red paint on this trail; the parallel Elovaaran luontopolku uses yellow markings(1).

Jakkila Hill Nature Trail is a short forest footpath of about 1.2 km on the wooded Jakkilanvaara rise beside Kontiolahti Kirkonkylä in North Karelia. It is an easy add-on if you are already in the village centre for the Kirkonkylä Nature and Culture Trail, the lit ski loop Kirkonkylän valaistu latu, or the lit running loop Kirkonkylän valaistu kuntorata Kontiolahti. The City of Kontiolahti groups its walking and cycling routes, campfire layers, and map tools on its Luonto- ja ulkoilureitit hub(1); the Joensuu region trails PDF from the same site helps you see how Kirkonkylä links into wider path networks(2). The municipality also points walkers to its map service for fire and rest places across the area(3). The line on the map is not a closed ring: expect an out-and-back or short connector through pine-dominated forest typical of the Höytiäisen shore belt. There are no named huts or beaches on this micro-route in our data; facilities such as Vierevänniemen nuotiopaikka and the Kirkonkylä sports cluster sit on the longer Kirkonkylä Nature and Culture Trail nearby. Urheilukellarin ampumarata lies in the same sports-centre quarter as the lit tracks if you are orienting from the shooting-range and gym addresses along Keskuskatu.

For closures, trail conditions, and the wider marked network in the national park, Luontoon.fi is the place to start(1). The Koli.fi hiking overview notes on the order of 80 km of marked paths around the park with individual trails from about 1.5 km up to roughly 61 km, plus fireplaces, lean-tos, and wilderness huts along many lines; it also reminds visitors that the highest cliffs are open bedrock without guard rails and can be slippery(2). Lieksa hosts the Koli visitor area, and North Karelia is the region most visitors associate with these fells and Pielinen views. Ukko-Koli eastern slope trails are about 8.2 km as one hiking line and are not a loop. The line threads the busy Ukko-Koli side of the park: you are never far from the ski hill, the nature centre, or Lake Pielinen at the harbour. Near the start, Koli pysäköintialue 1 and Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3 bracket the main visitor cluster together with Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus and Koli Relax Spa. From the same neighbourhood you can step straight onto Huippujen Kierros, the famous short viewpoint circuit past Ukko-Koli, Paha-Koli, and Akka-Koli from Luontokeskus Ukko(5). Pääministerin tulentekopaikka sits close to those peaks for a shelter stop if you link a summit outing with this east-side walk. Dropping toward the water, Kolin satama Alamaja, Kolin sataman pysäköintialue, and Uimahuoneen kävelysilta mark the harbour zone where Sataman polku and Vanhan metsän polku connect—useful if you arrive by boat or want to read more on our pages for the café and footbridge. About 2.4 km into the eastern slope line you pass Koli Ski Disc Golf at the ski resort edge. Farther east, Paimenenvaaran tulentekopaikka and Paimenenvaara kuivakäymälä sit around 5.5 km along the mapped line. This is the same Paimenenvaara pocket visited by Paimenen polku and shared with Mäkrän Kierto and Kolinuuron Kierros; Retkipaikka describes a triangular, moderately demanding forest loop there with steep climbs, short duckboards, bench-mark posts at some junctions, and orange circle route marks where side paths branch(3). The Paskovaara cliff viewpoint mentioned in that write-up sits on the dedicated loop rather than on every approach into the bay. The route closes on Likolahti tulentekopaikka near 7.3 km and Likolahti pysäköintialue shortly after—handy if you spot a car at the bay end or want a quieter finish by the shore(4). Kolin kesäkahvilakierros and other shore-side paths fan out from the same general harbourside–vaara fringe if you plan a longer day. Dry toilets are available at Paimenenvaara; treat tap water and swimming like typical backcountry visits unless a serviced point states otherwise.

For the latest national-park rules, service news, and seasonal access at Suomu, start with Patvinsuo National Park on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia notes that Suomu Nature Center provides hiker guidance, equipment rental, and sauna and accommodation services from spring through autumn in the same visitor yard(2). This page describes a very short shore connector—not a day hike on its own but the walking link many people use between Suomu’s beach parking and cooking shelters and the rentable lakeside sauna. The trail is about 0.4 km on our map and is not a loop. It lies in Lieksa, North Karelia, on Lake Suomunjärvi inside Patvinsuo National Park. Lieksa is the municipality around Suomu’s access road; North Karelia is the eastern lakeland and boreal-forest region Visit Karelia promotes alongside Koli and other parks(2). From Suomu pysäköintialue ranta and the Suomu telttailualue–Suomun luontotuvan keittokatos–Suomu leirintäalue keittokatos belt along the shore, the path threads past Suomu rantakaivo toward Suomu vuokrattava rantasauna at the point. Suomu rantasauna uusi kuivakäymälä sits beside the sauna cluster for visits to the rental. A few steps inland, Suomu luontotupa / sisämajoitus, Suomu talo, Suomu kämpän sauna, and Patvinsuo suomu pihakaivo complete the historic forest-ranger courtyard that independent hiking writers often photograph when they stage shorter loops from Suomuntie 54—Retkipaikka’s Mäntypolku feature is a useful on-the-ground companion for how the parking and campsite edges feel before you commit to longer circuits(4). If you are stitching a longer day, Suomu yhdyspolku, Mäntypolku, Nälmänpuro - Suomu reitti, Suomunkierto retkeilyreitti, and Bear Trail (Karhunpolku) all touch the same service hub, so you can combine a sauna booking with a lap of the lake or a connection toward Nälmänjoki(1)(2). Veera Pirita’s Patvinsuo trip diary spells out how visitors typically reserve Suomu’s beach sauna and yard sauna slots, including indicative rental periods and group sizes—check current prices and booking contacts on service pages before you travel(3). During bird nesting, Patvinsuo may restrict off-route travel on open mires; stay on marked lines and read Metsähallitus guidance for seasonal closures and nesting restrictions when you plan dates(5).

The trail is about 3.6 km as a loop on the east end of Utranharju, on the Joensuu–Kontiolahti boundary in North Karelia. It is the easiest circuit in the Harjupolut network: dry pine-heath forest, narrow needle paths, and gentle ups and downs. For current detail on markings, junction arrows, suggested direction, and the technical riding area, start with Visit Karelia’s Utra Trail page prepared with City of Joensuu input(1). The City of Kontiolahti describes Harjupolut as a roughly 18 km network suited to mountain biking and trail running(2). Official material aimed at mountain bikers highlights the Utra forest pump track and skill lines beside the trail(1). Metsähallitus lists the wider Harjupolut destination on Luontoon.fi for maps and area context(4). Kontiolahti lies beside Joensuu here. About 0.6 km along the route from the start you pass Töröpuron pallokenttä on Vonkamiehentie—useful as a landmark if you approach from the Kontiolahti side. The loop is marked in green and is two-way; sources say the easier direction is counter-clockwise, with arrow posts at tight corners and a few blind crossings signed for caution(1). The Harjupolut ridge trail network meets this loop in the same terrain: you can combine with Monttu Trail or longer Harjupolut sections, and Utranharjun laavu sits on those neighbouring circuits for a break. Jaama Trail uses orange markings and links the Utran saaret and Lehmo sports-field parking areas into the regional path network that continues toward Lykynlampi, Kontionpolut, Kinttupolut, and eventually Kolinpolku(1)(2). If you are on foot or jogging, treat the tread as a shared outdoor corridor: stay aware of cyclists on narrow singletrack, especially near the practice lines and pump track(1). After rain, roots and stones can be slippery(1).

Koivukumpu hiking trail is a short point-to-point walk of about 0.8 km in Kitee, North Karelia. It starts from the Mäkränhovi luontotupa area and continues toward Anttilantien kota and Hietalahden nuotiopaikka beside Lake Orivesi, where it meets the larger Kiteen erä- ja riistapolku network. For route descriptions, arrival, and seasonal conditions around this shoreline system, Luontoon.fi(1), Visit Karelia(2), and the City of Kitee outdoor and nature-trail pages(3) are the best official starting points. Within the first few hundred metres you pass Mäkränhovi luontotupa, a reservable wilderness hut that also anchors the longer Kiteen erä- ja riistapolku. By the time you reach the far end of this segment you are at Hietalahden nuotiopaikka on Anttilantie 4 and Anttilantien kota, convenient spots for a fire or a longer stop before joining Parppeinlammen luontopolku and Hietaniemen eräpolku on the main erä- ja riistapolku circuit. The City of Kitee maintains the erä- ja riistapolku and notes free use of its kota and laavu; the wider trail introduces forest and game management themes with carved animal figures, feeding sites, and many information boards(3)(1)(2). North Karelia offers varied ridges and lakeshore walking; this connector is an easy add-on if you are already at Mäkränhovi or walking in from the Anttilantie parking and main gate area described for Kiteen erä- ja riistapolku(1)(2).

Mäntyjärvi Lake circuit is about 8 km of marked hiking through pine heath, mires, and lakeland around Mäntyjärvi in the Peurajärvi recreation area. The trail sits in northern Nurmes, North Karelia, on the Nurmes–Kuhmo road corridor, and ties into a wider network that includes a second lake loop and a link toward Hiidenportti National Park. Visit Karelia publishes the main feature page with step-by-step route instructions, suggested direction, safety reminders, fishing permits, and parking notes(1). Metsähallitus lists opening hours, structure facts, and fire-making rules for Mäntyjärven laavu on Luontoon.fi(2). The first stretch follows the same path as Iso-Valkeisen kierto for roughly one kilometre to Mäntyjärven laavu. From the lean-to on a long sandy beach bluff, the recommended direction is counter-clockwise along the east shore, past the north end where a side trail branches toward Hiidenportti National Park, then back along the west shore across the narrow isthmus between Peurajärvi and Mäntyjärvi. Marking is an orange circle on signposts(1). That same page classifies the outing as physically demanding on its checklist even though the climb is modest—about 6 m up and down between roughly 150 m and 170 m elevation on their figures—so allow time for duckboards and lake views(1). Via Karelia describes Peurajärvi as a compact family destination with clear lakes, short round trips, rental cabins, rowboats, and overnight options at lean-tos and kota shelters around Iso-Valkeinen and Mäntyjärvi(3). About 2.4 km into the circuit you pass Käärmesärkkä pysäköintalue and Käärmesärkkä kuivakäymälä—this is the natural junction for Peurajärvi reitti and the spur that continues toward Hiidenportin kansallispuiston retkeilypolku. Further along Mäntyjärvi shore near 6 km you reach Mäntyjärven laavu together with Mäntyjärvi kuivakäymälä, Mäntyjärvi tulentekopaikka Nurmes, and Mäntyjärvi kaivo for water. PEURAJÄRVI ISO-HIRVAS savottakämppä sits slightly inland on the shared segment with Peurajärvi reitti. The Iso-Valkeinen shore segment clusters Iso-Valkeinen niemi kuivakäymälä, Iso-Valkeisen niemen kota, Iso-Valkeinen tulentekopaikka 1, Iso-Valkeinen tulentekopaikka 2, Iso-Valkeinen kuivakäymälä, and Iso-Valkeisen infopisteen kota—handy for lunch, shelter, and fire rings. Near the south end, Urtti-Valkeinen kuivakäymälä and Urtti-Valkeinen tulentekopaikka round out the meal-stop options. Dry toilets sit close to these shelters; plan for typical backcountry cleanliness. If you want a shorter second loop on another lake, Iso-Valkeisen kierto branches from the same main trail system. Retkiseikkailu also indexes the Peurajärvi trails together with the 2 km connector toward Hiidenportti when you need a quick map of how the paths fit(4).

The Petkeljärvi–Särkkäjärvi trail is about 3.5 km one way on the southern opening of Taitajan Taival, North Karelia’s oldest marked hiking trail across the Petkeljärvi–Putkelanharju eskers. Ilomantsi lies in North Karelia near the Russian border; this segment is an easy way to sample the same story as the full Petkeljärvi–Mekrijärvi trail without committing to an all-day hike. For Metsähallitus trail information, maps, and updates, start from the Taitajan Taival page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia summarises the full route’s orange paint markings, dry forest footing, and steeper esker climbs farther north, plus rest spots such as the Keltasilmä laavu with clear water on both sides(2). From the Petkeljärvi visitor end, the path soon lifts onto ancient ridge sands and small lake views typical of the national park fringe. About 3.3 km along you reach Keltasilmä tulentekopaikka, a marked campfire ring between forest ponds, and the nearby Keltasilmä laavu that belongs to the wider Taitajan Taival shelter network(2). Hikers circling Kuikan Kierros luontopolku often detour here for lunch; the lean-to sits a few hundred metres off that nature trail so the glades feel shared but not crowded. Continuing toward the Särkkäjärvi end joins the longer Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti corridor; Harjupolku Ilomantsi and the Ravajärvi-Petkeljärvi reitti offer separate marked loops around Petraniemi and Tetrijärvi if you want to stitch a longer day from the same service cluster. Visit Ilomantsi’s hiking etiquette pages underline practical rules for Petkeljärvi National Park and Taitajan Taival: keep dogs leashed in the park, make fire only on marked fireplaces, and expect no winter track grooming on these paths although part of the corridor doubles as a local ski route near Tetrijärvi in places(3). Retkipaikka’s Taitajan Taival article notes how gently the trail begins from Petraniemi before the mineral soils turn rockier on the high eskers—a hint of what awaits if you push beyond this 3.5 km slice(4).

Matin Trail is about 2 km of marked hiking through esker forest beside Huts sports centre in Kitee, North Karelia. Kitee lies in lake-and-forest country east of Joensuu. For the latest municipal trail descriptions and maintenance feedback, start with the City of Kitee nature trails pages(1). Regional listings also file the walk under the Karelianpolut network for Kitee(3). Visit Karelia’s trail page adds detail on markings, difficulty labelling, and how this route sits inside the busier Huts outdoor network(2). The trail is named in memory of vicar Matti Hakulinen. It begins from the VesPeli swimming pool and sports hall area on Urheilutie and threads through pine-dominated ridge slopes shaped by retreating ice and meltwater. Along the way, a series of information boards introduce forest plants and wildlife, forestry, and ice-age landforms. The steepest rocky steps are crossed on duckboards; elsewhere the tread is mostly straightforward forest path, though visitor materials still label the overall experience toward the demanding end of their scale because of roots, stones, and junctions with many other tracks(2). You are walking through a working sports campus, not deep backcountry. Near the start you pass Kiteen jäähalli and stay within earshot of Urheilutalo VesPeli and Kiteen uimahalli VesPeli. Further along the circuit the line comes close to Hutsin hyppyrimäet, ball fields, Hutsin Urheilukeskuksen kuntoportaat, an outdoor gym, tennis courts, Hutsin frisbeegolfrata, Hutsin skeittipaikka, and VesPelin kuntosali—useful context if you are combining a short hike with other activities. The same corridor links to longer Huts routes such as Hutsin luontopolut and Karelianpolut / Hutsi Trail, and to lit running and ski trails that share the area in winter(2). Yhdyspolku connects Matin polku with Pajarin polku in municipal materials(1); the luontopolut hub explains how those links fit together(1). Spring snowmelt and wet weather can leave roots and stones slippery; choose footwear with grip and check the city’s outdoor pages if you are unsure about conditions(1)(2).

Kalliojärvi Lake Circuit is a short but rugged day hike in Pyhäselkä south of Joensuu, North Karelia. The trail is about 3.1 km on our map and follows the shore of Suuren Kalliojärvi through a rocky ravine landscape of pine and spruce forest, wetlands, and exposed cliff lines. For Metsähallitus trail facts and maps, use the Luontoon.fi page for this route(1). The City of Joensuu lists the same trail on its nature-trails hub with the Niittylahti address and notes blue markings and guard rails on the steepest cliff sections(2). About 0.75 km from the start along the mapped trail you reach Suuren Kalliojärven laavu, a lean-to on the lake shore with a campfire place—read more on our page for Suuren Kalliojärven laavu. Via Karelia describes how the path soon forks: the right-hand branch makes the longer lakeside loop and is the recommended way to save the dramatic cliff-and-lean-to scenery for the end of the walk(3). The ground mixes forest path, duckboards over wet ground, and short ups and downs; wire handrails run along some cliff tops, and duckboards cross the mires(4). Some cliff edges drop straight to the water, so keep children close at the lean-to and campfire area and anywhere the bedrock is exposed(2)(3)(4). Joensuu lies in lake-and-forest country at the western edge of North Karelia. The route is a good half-day outing when combined with photography or a fire at the lean-to; allow roughly one to two hours of walking depending on pace and stops(3)(4).

Monttu Trail is about 7.3 km on the Utranharju ridge between Kontiolahti and Joensuu in North Karelia. It is the most varied line in the Harjupolut set: needle forest paths, faster forest tracks, heath, and the edge of an old sand pit (monttu) where Utranharjun laavu sits with open views(1). The route is marked in yellow and signposted for mountain biking as demanding on the Visit North Karelia trail page, while the City of Kontiolahti and Yle describe Harjupolut overall as a mountain-biking and running network opened in 2022 as part of the joint “Koukuttavat reitit” project(2)(3). On foot you use the same marked network; give way to riders on narrow sections and be visible at blind junctions(1). About 2 km along the route from the direction of the main Harjupolut approaches you reach Utranharjun laavu, a natural break spot with a dry toilet beside the pit(1). Further along, the line passes near Jokirannan Ratsastuskoulun kenttä Kontiolahti beside Jokirannantie—handy context if you are combining the ridge with other errands in the riverbank area. Optional links from the same network include the green-marked Utra Trail with a skills area, the blue-marked Onkilampi Trail toward a swimming beach, orange Jaama Trail toward the wider Joensuu-region path network, and pink Lehmonharju Trail from the Lehmo sports field(1). Winter ski tracks such as Latu Törönpuro–Utranharju share the laavu area for season-crossing day planning. Terrain is typical esker forest with short ups and downs; roughly one kilometre follows a gravel road where occasional quarry or timber lorries use the same surface, so keep to the verges and check both ways at crossings(1). The official mountain-bike description calls clockwise the easier direction on the loop-style junction layout, with many arrowed posts but a few poor-visibility crossings(1).

Metsähallitus describes the parent Kasken kierros nature trail in Koli National Park on Luontoon.fi, including length options, terrain, and up-to-date visitor information for the signed circuit(1). This page is about Kasken kierros shortcut 1: on our map it is only about 0.1 km and forms a tiny loop on the Kasken kierros network at Vaaralanaho, next to North Karelia’s Lieksa municipality and the wider Koli outdoor area. Along this line, Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka and Vaaralanaho kuivakäymälä sit a few tens of metres apart, so the shortcut is mainly useful as the direct way to that rest corner when you are already walking Kasken kierros, Mattila - Vaaralanaho polku, Kolin kesäkahvilakierros, UKK Trail (Koli segment, Lieksa), or Kylän Polku. A little farther toward the Turula farm cluster you also pass Turula telttailualue, Turulan tulentekopaikka and Turula tulentekopaikka, and Mattila kaivo fits the same heritage-farm setting described for the main green-marked ring(2)(3). Retkipaikka’s report by Luontopolkumies walks the full Kasken kierros from Koli harbour, notes the climb toward Ipatti, and stops at Vaaralanahon taukopaikka with its lean-to and campfire before continuing toward Turula—useful context for how this shortcut sits inside the longer slash-and-burn heritage loop(2). Tiinan patikointi describes Turulan torppa’s yard tent space and campfire circle and following green blazes around the ring from the harbour, including how multiple green markers at one post can look confusing until you choose the arm that matches your direction(3). Together those accounts match what you see on the ground: a short, easy forest tread focused on reaching the Vaaralanaho facilities rather than a separate day hike.

Joutenjoki Fishing Path is a very short riverside segment, about 0.3 km, along a branch of Lieksanjoki in the Ruunaa recreation area in Lieksa, North Karelia. It is aimed at anglers and day visitors who want a compact walk between fishing spots, lean-tos, and campfires beside the water. Metsähallitus publishes the wider Ruunaa trail and activity information on Luontoon.fi; the neighbouring marked Horkka yhdyspolku page is the closest official trail sheet for map layers and updates in this same shoreline cluster(1). Koli & Lieksa outlines regional fishing and Ruunaa rapids context and points to Luontoon.fi and licence sales for current rules(2). On the ground the line ties together facilities you can already see on our map: Horkka pysäköintialue for leaving a car, Horkan laavu and Siikakoski laavu for shelter, and several maintained campfire sites including Horkka tulentekopaikka, Siikakoski tulentekopaikka, and Uittopato tulentekopaikka, with dry toilets at Horkka, Siikakoski, and Uittopato. That makes the outing practical as a coffee-and-fishing stop rather than a long hike. Retkipaikka’s Siikakoski route write-up describes the broader Siikakoski–Horkka shoreline network, the bridge and lean-to setting, and the kind of waymarking used on longer loops in this part of Ruunaa—useful background even though that article follows a longer circuit than this short branch(3). The path meets Horkka yhdyspolku, which links the same campfire and lean-to cluster; Ruunaan maastopyöräreitti passes nearby if you are combining human-powered travel modes in the area. Carry any fire-starting supplies you need, respect forest-fire warnings, and check fishing permits and catch rules separately if you cast from the bank: Ruunaankosket licence rules apply on Lieksanjoki in this area(2).

Kolinuuron Circuit is a short but demanding summer loop in Lieksa, North Karelia, winding through Kolinuuro—the deep gorge below Ukko-Koli in Koli National Park. The trail is about 3.2 km on our map as a closed ring, made for hikers who already enjoy steep rock steps, roots and narrow forest tread, and for families who want a geology-themed outing rather than a gentle lakeside stroll. For route photos, downloadable map sheets and the rules that apply to campfires and dogs in the national park, start from Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia(2) publishes a dedicated page for this loop with difficulty notes, typical duration and seasonal limits, and Koli.fi(3) is the practical hub for lifts, carparks and village-to-fell access when you stitch this walk into a longer Ukko-Koli day. Metsähallitus(4) describes the renewed loop as a geological treasure hunt: clockwise is the recommended direction, with red circle markings along the tread, interactive “taikarasti” tasks and a story built around Koli-bedrock kyaniitti—something to photograph and learn about on site, not collect. The gorge bottom is lush and sheltered; climbs to Pieni-Koli and the high viewpoints bring the quartzite and gneiss contact into view in ways casual visitors rarely expect(5). You begin in the busy service cluster around Kolin luontokeskus Ukko on Ylä-Kolintie: Koli pysäköintialue 1 and Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3 serve most summit visitors, Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus and Koli Relax Spa sit beside the same yard, and the signed Huippujen Kierros ring is only a few steps away if you later want the classic Ukko–Akka–Paha panorama circuit. About 1.4 km into the gorge loop the line passes the Paimenenvaaran tulentekopaikka rest area; a dry toilet is marked on our map near that cluster for people who combine the gorge walk with the nearby Paimenen polku network. Near the nature centre yard you again pass Pääministerin tulentekopaikka—bring your own firewood if you plan to use that site, and always follow wildfire warnings and park rules spelled out on Luontoon.fi(1). If you want a fully guided geology walk with fixed pricing and national park fees bundled, Äksyt Ämmät(6) runs commercial Kolinuuron kierros departures from Luontokeskus Ukko.

Herajärvi Nature Trail is about 5.2 km end-to-end through ridge-and-lake forest beside lake Herajärvi in eastern Joensuu; it is not the long Herajärven kierros backpacking circuit at Koli National Park, which is a different lake and route system entirely. Joensuu covers the old Tuupovaara countryside where the village of Herajärvi sits on a handsome isthmus between Herajärvi and Saarijärvi. The trail’s official listing lives on Luontoon.fi(1). City of Joensuu gathers day-hike ideas for the whole municipality, including trails around Tuupovaara, on its nature-trail hub(2). The Tuupovaara district site sketches why the lake edge is landscape-wise special—moraine ridges, clear water, and views toward Karsikkovaara(3). Along the route you pass Herajärvi tulentekopaikka almost at the outset and, toward the end, Herajärvi kuivakäymälä within an easy stroll of Herajärvi pysäköintialue. The fireplace spot has a woodshed in visitor descriptions and makes a natural lunch pause before you continue through mixed forest, short esker climbs, duckboards, anthills, and map boards placed about every kilometre on the forest sector Suden Saaga hiked in Tuupovaara in 2016(4). Seasonal sheep grazing inside fenced paddocks is part of the management story—that write-up urges keeping dogs leashed, latching gates, and giving the animals space(4). Locals swim from a long sandy shore on warm days(4). For a compact outing, pair the walk with other Tuupovaara day trails the same municipal pages highlight(2).

The Änäkäinen connector trail is a short point-to-point link in Lieksa in North Karelia. It runs about 0.6 km between the Saarijärvi shore cluster and Syväjärvi, tying together parking, the reservable kota, cooking shelter, fire sites, dry toilets, and the Syväjärvi jetty and caravan-area fireplace on the same short line. The route sits in the Änäkäinen outdoor area east of Lieksa, where the Salpa Line and wartime earthworks draw many visitors alongside day hiking. For who maintains the laavu, kota, cooking shelter, and other structures from 2026 onward—and how the western Saarijärvi loop section connects into the Karhunpolku network—the City of Lieksa announced a five-year agreement with Metsähallitus in March 2026(1). Metsähallitus still presents the Änäkäinen destination, trails, and arrival overview on Luontoon.fi(2). Lieksa Travel summarises the wider Änäkäinen–Salpalinja setting: themed routes in the south and a short ring around Lake Saarijärvi (Iso-Änäkäinen) in the north(3). This segment is a practical hinge in the field: from Välikangas pysäköintialue you reach Saarijärven kota, the south Saarijärvi fire site, Saarijärvi keittokatos, and dry toilets within a few hundred metres, then continue toward Syväjärvi kuivakäymälä, Syväjärvi laituri, and the caravan-area fire site—useful if you are moving between the Saarijärvi loop, lake access, and the long Karhunpolku hiking and mountain-biking routes that pass through Änäkäinen. Visit Karelia describes Karhunpolku as part of the Karjalan Kierros system, marked with orange paint markers along a long east-border itinerary; the same pages give maintenance contacts for Lieksa’s trail stewards(4). Metsähiippari’s account of walking the Saarijärvi loop nearby praises clear, soft needle forest paths and boardwalk sections toward the lake—much like the short stretch between these two lakes(5). North Karelia and Lieksa are strong hiking and nature-tourism destinations; combining this connector with Saarijärven kierto or a Karhunpolku section makes an easy half day if you already have transport to Välikangas.

Kuismin Nature Trail is an easy, marked forest walk in North Karelia, running from the Paksuniemi–Saviniemi sports and school area in Rääkkylä church village toward Kuismin laavu on the east side. The one-way distance along the mapped trail is about 3.8 km; walking out and back is roughly 7–8 km in total, so it works well as a half-day outing. For trail markings, shelters, parking and seasonal tips, see Visit Karelia’s Kuismin luontopolku page(1). Printed maps and the municipality’s overview of Kirkonkylä trails, including Saviniemi and Kuismin nature paths and Karelianpolut cycling, are on the outdoor routes hub(2). Pohjoinen Saimaa introduces Rääkkylä hiking alongside other quiet forest-and-lake walks in the region(3). From Rääkkylän urheilukenttä and Koulun ulkoliikuntalaitteet near Paksuniementie, the path soon leaves the playing fields and follows mixed woodland and gentle harju-style ridges with information boards. Yellow trail markings are the main guidance(1). About 3 km along, Kuismin ampumarata lies close to the corridor—take care and follow local safety rules near the range. At about 3.8 km you reach Kuismin laavu, where Visit Karelia lists a fireplace and toilet; you may also reach that shelter by car on Kuismintie if you only want a short forest stop(1). In winter the same start zone links logically to Kirkonkylän valaistulatu and other Kirkonkylä tracks, while summer visitors often combine the walk with Savilahti Trail / Karelianpolut mountain biking or Saviniemen luontopolku starting from the same leisure cluster.

The Ravajärvi–Petkeljärvi trail is about 7.5 km as a point-to-point day hike in Ilomantsi, North Karelia, on the Petkeljärvi–Putkelanharju esker system east of Petkeljärvi National Park. It forms a shortcut link on the long Taitajan Taival hiking corridor between the Tetrijärvi shore area and the Keltasilmä lean-to cluster. Metsähallitus describes services and the full Taitajan Taival corridor on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Ilomantsi introduces Finland’s smallest national park, its esker scenery, and how Taitajan taival fits the wider trail offer(2). Visit Karelia summarises Taitajan taival as a whole: orange paint markings in the terrain, mostly dry pine heath, and four main lean-to rest points along the full route—including views from Tetrijärvi toward Saarilahti and clear water on both sides at Keltasilmä(3). Retkipaikka’s walk-through of Taitajan Taival adds colour on how the ridge character shifts between Keltasilmä and Tetrijärvi(4). At the Tetrijärvi end you pass Tetrijärven laavu with Tetrijärvi tulentekopaikka and Tetrijärvi kuivakäymälä a few steps from the shore—good for a meal stop and a swim when the weather allows. After roughly 6 km from the Tetrijärvi cluster you reach the Keltasilmä shore band, where Keltasilmä laavu, Keltasilmä tulentekopaikka, and Keltasilmä kuivakäymälä sit close together between small lakes. That spacing matches an easy half-day or day hike at relaxed pace with a long break at either end. The same trail junctions tie into the wider network: Taitajan Taival kesäretkeilyreitti continues as the 32 km summer hiking spine toward Mekrijärvi; Tetrijärven lenkki overlaps the Tetrijärvi shore as a groomed ski loop in winter; Kuikan Kierros luontopolku meets the Petkeljärvi visitor area at the national-park end; and Petkeljärvi–Särkkäjärvi reitti branches near Keltasilmä if you want a shorter add-on. Sydän rinnassa, reppu selässä walked Tetrijärvi–Keltasilmä using this return link and notes that, compared with the main Taitajan ridge, this connecting stretch uses more forest road and feels visually quieter, while still following clear markings(5). The same account mentions a stop at the Taivallammi battle memorial and forest burned near Ahvenlampi as described in park nature texts(5). For current rules on camping inside the national park boundary versus lean-tos just outside it, lean on the national-park pages(1)(2) rather than informal summaries.

Savijärvensuo boardwalk trail is about 0.6 km as a short, non-loop walk on duckboards through a Natura 2000 mire landscape in Juuka. The path lies in the Kuohusuo–Erämaakirkko visitor area roughly ten kilometres from Juuka church village: the same official page describes a 0.6 km duckboard section from the forest road parking to the wooden Erämaakirkko (wilderness church), with a lean-to, campfire site, and dry toilets there(1). Savijärvensuo itself is named on the municipality’s Natura 2000 list as site FI0700014, underlining that you are walking through a legally protected habitat where staying on the built walkway matters(2). The wider Kuohunkierto hiking circle around the mires is about five kilometres, can be demanding without duckboards, and is described separately from this short, easy access spur—rubber boots are emphasised for that longer loop rather than for the boardwalk approach to the church(1). Juuka promotes eleven signature nature destinations in North Karelia; this outing pairs well with reading their collected nature pages when you plan other stops in the municipality(3). Juuka lies in North Karelia. Terrain here is classic eastern Finnish wetland and forest mosaic: open mire colours and birdlife on the broader Kuohusuo flats, with the church sitting on a wooded rise reached along the duckboards(1). Expect a compact outing suited to combining with Kuohunkierto or a quiet visit to the chapel when services are scheduled. No trail-specific video turned up in dedicated searches; rely on the municipality’s directions for the gravel spur and parking layout.

Summit Trail (Huippujen kierros) is about 1.4 km in Lieksa, North Karelia, threading the three highest summits of the Koli national landscape—Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli—with the open views over Lake Pielinen that drew painters and hikers long before social media. For downloadable maps, national park rules and the trail page maintained by Metsähallitus, use Luontoon.fi(1). Koli.fi(2) sets out how visitors typically reach Ylä-Koli by car, village paths, the harbour route or the scenic lift, and why this short ring is the classic introduction to the skyline. In practice you start beside Kolin luontokeskus Ukko and Break Sokos Hotel Koli on the Ylä-Koli yard: Koli pysäköintialue 1 and Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3 are the usual carparks on our map, Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus and Koli Relax Spa sit in the same cluster, and about two tenths of a kilometre along the walk you pass Pääministerin tulentekopaikka, a maintained campfire site—carry your own firewood and respect wildfire bans that Metsähallitus posts through Luontoon.fi(1). The tread is mostly easy underfoot because you begin high on the ridge, but there are short rocky stretches and wooden stair flights that feel slippery when icy(3). Many people walk the ring slowly in well under an hour even though quick strides can cover the distance in roughly half that time(3). Independent bloggers often recommend going counter-clockwise so Akka-Koli, with its west-facing benches and small Silence Temple stone altar, comes first and sunset watchers know where to linger(3). Paha-Koli tends to deliver sweeping views south toward Pielinen and beyond, while Ukko-Koli is the busiest lookout because it is closest to the hotel and visitor centre(3). Expect heavy foot traffic around Ukko-Koli on fine weekends(3). If you want a guided storytelling round with fixed Saturday departures from the nature centre yard, Retkipaikka Koli sells those programmes separately(5). For a photo-heavy journal that also records winter drifting snow on uncleared tread, read Mutkiamatkassa(3). Retkiseikkailu adds concrete elevation figures for the three summits and notes tight, steep bends on the approach road to upper parking in winter(4). Longer legs can stitch in Sataman polku from the harbour, Kolinuuron Kierros in the gorge, the eastern Ukko-Koli trail network or Kylän Polku from the village without doubling back on the same skyline section.

The trail is about 1.1 km in Kitee, North Karelia, along a narrow forest strip between Lake Kiteenjärvi’s Päätyeenlahti bay and the Sepänniemi residential area. For the latest local access notes, seasonal grazing, and how this path fits the municipality’s other nature trails, start with the City of Kitee’s Luontopolut page(1). The shallow Päätyeenlahti wetland beside the path is a Natura 2000 bird site (SPA, FI0700003, 314 ha) on ymparisto.fi(2). Maaseudun Tulevaisuus described how dredging and habitat work in the bay helped wetland birds return after reed encroachment(3). The trail begins near Kiteen Rantakenttä (the baseball field) on Tohmajärventie. The City of Kitee lists the same corridor as Sepänniemen polku: an out-and-back walk through lakeshore forest, with summer grazing cattle in fenced meadow between the path and the wetland, and conditions that are often still walkable in winter(1). About half a kilometre along the line you pass Arppen lähiliikuntapaikan ulkokuntoiluvälineet, an outdoor gym cluster if you want a short strength stop. The Päätyeenlahti area is geared to birdwatching: the city points to a bird tower at the north end of the bay with signposting from Kurenrinteentie, and to the south end to rest areas near the bridge on Tohmajärventie; there is an information board about the wetland at the parking area between Rantakenttä and the bay(1). The same wetland complex is one of North Karelia’s key bird waters, with breeding and migratory species listed in the national Natura description(2). In winter, the mapped Kiteen taajamaan moottorikelkkaura snowmobile route runs through the same general corridor as this trail; treat crossings and shared edges with care when snowmobile traffic is active.

Mäkränmaja trail is a very short walking connection in Koli National Park in Lieksa, North Karelia. The trail is about 0.3 km and leads through old-growth forest at the foot of Mäkrävaara to Mäkränmaja vuokratupa, a reservable wilderness hut managed by Metsähallitus. For parking, arrival by car in summer and winter, winter access notes, hut booking, fees, and the note that a small stream runs under the path, rely on the Metsähallitus Eräluvat rental page for this hut(1). The Luontoon.fi Koli National Park hub links maps, routes, and current service information for the park(2). Metsähallitus Eräluvat describes the hut as sitting in a quiet spot below Mäkrävaara, roughly 1.5 km from Herajärven kierros as the crow flies, and gives about 100 m of walking from the nearest road parking down to the hut along a footpath(1). The same source notes roughly 5 km on foot from Kolin luontokeskus Ukko for hikers arriving without a car(1). The trail is about 0.3 km end to end; small differences against “about 100 m” usually come from measuring to the door versus the trail register, or from which road fork you treat as the start. This segment is a practical link for people staying at or visiting Mäkränmaja vuokratupa. Longer hikes nearby include Mäkrän Kierto and Mäkrä-Rantatie polku, which pass the same hut area on broader Koli trail networks. Visit Karelia’s article on Mäkrän polku describes the famous figure-eight day hike on Mäkrävaara and links to Luontoon for full route detail; that classic loop is a different, longer trail than this short hut access, but it helps explain how Mäkränmaja sits inside Koli’s main hiking country(3). Lake Herajärvi Circuit is another major trail in the same landscape for multi-day planning.

The Myllypuro section is a short spur on the northern Herajärvenkierros, the classic multi-day hike around Lake Herajärvi in the Koli national park landscape in Kontiolahti. For the northern circuit, trail planning, and national park rules, Metsähallitus publishes up-to-date material on the Luontoon.fi page for the northern Herajärvenkierros Trail(1). The Herajärven kierros route site walks through the landscape in narrative form and describes how the main path reaches the signed turn to Myllypuro(2). The trail is about 0.8 km end to end as mapped. It is not a loop: it leads from the main Herajärven kierros line to the Myllypuro telttailualue and Myllypuro tulentekopaikka. The Herajärven kierros route site explains that a sign on the main path points left to “Myllypuro”, and that roughly a kilometre along the spur, beside the stream, Metsähallitus maintains a tent camping area with a dry toilet, campfire site, and woodshed(2). On the main path you cross a cottage road and soon reach a bridge over the lively Myllypuro stream, where water from Lake Jero flows down toward Lake Herajärvi(2). The same pages recall that the stream once powered a mill and that in the early twentieth century timber was floated along Myllypuro toward Lake Herajärvi and onward to the Pielinen water system(2). This spur sits on the much longer Herajärven kierros, which Visit Karelia describes as a demanding northern loop with big height differences, blue paint and wooden signpost marking, and widely spaced water sources—worth reading before you commit to the full hike(3). Etureppu’s Matti Simula describes an overnight approach from Peiponpelto toward the Myllypuro fire place as a short, easy first leg, and notes how carefully hikers ration water on the west side of Herajärvi(4). Together, those sources match what you find at Myllypuro: a compact camping and fire spot intended as a stop on the bigger circuit, not a separate long trail. Kontiolahti lies in North Karelia. The full Herajärven kierros continues from this junction toward Ryläys, Pitkälampi, Kiviniemi, and the rest of the northern ring.

For firewood at the halfway campfire, parking, and how the city describes this ring trail, the City of Joensuu’s nature-trail pages are the place to check(1). Tuupovaara’s visitor site summarizes the route in Finnish for the village area(2). Retkipaikka’s on-the-ground notes from summer 2021 add detail on ridge steepness, marking colour, and pacing(3). The trail is about 3.1 km on our map through forested ridge and lakeshore scenery near Lake Lastujärvi. It sits in Tuupovaara village within Joensuu municipality, North Karelia. City copy places the start immediately behind Tuupovaaran liikuntahalli on Kankaalantie; the first stretch is a wide, mown access strip before the path narrows into woodland. Much of the walk runs along ridge tops with views opening toward Lastujärvi; one steep descent reaches the lake shore, and at Pitkäniemi a maintained campfire sits at the tip of a narrow peninsula with firewood supplied—see the city page for current rules(1). Two benches sit on the ridge around the northern part of the loop, and carved wooden animal figures appear near where the circuit closes. Orange paint blazes mark turns; after wet weather, grassy side sections can stay damp long enough that waterproof footwear helps, though most of the ridge walking stays dry(3). Winter snowmobile corridors pass near the same village trail system; Tuupovaaran taajamaan moottorikelkkaura and the Kovero–Lastujärvi (Savilahti) snowmobile alignment are in the same wider area—if you walk or snowshoe when trails are active, stay alert and yield to machines.

For closures, route-specific notes, and the official trail description, start with the Talonpojan taival page on Luontoon.fi(1). The trail is about 29 km as one continuous hiking line in Nurmes and the wider Upper Karelia–Kainuu countryside. Many published guides describe the classic long-distance Talonpojan taival from Valtimo’s Puukari area toward Peurajärvi at roughly 45 km; use Luontoon.fi and local service pages if you are planning that full corridor(1). Retkipaikka’s Hiidenportti guide places Talonpojan taival at about 45 km and notes it begins near Puukarin pysäkki, with the national park’s main services and lean-tos tied into the same landscape(2). North Karelia is known for lake-and-forest hiking; Nurmes lies in the Pielinen catchment. On this segment, the terrain moves through forested hills and links into Hiidenportti National Park’s trail network. Retkipaikka describes Hiidenportti as a quiet backcountry park crowned by a rocky gorge with dark forest lakes, with reindeer lichen heaths and pine mires around the ravine and large carnivores and forest reindeer possible in the wider area(2). About 20 km along the route you reach Murtovaara Tammitupa Autiotupa and Allaslahden laavu, where the route meets Hiidenportin kansallispuiston retkeilypolku. The same sector offers a lean-to and dry-toilet facilities near Allaslahden laavu for comfortable breaks. Palolampi and other Hiidenportti trailheads on connecting routes carry parking, cooking shelters, and campfire spots described in Retkipaikka’s park overview(2). Near Murtovaara, Murtovaaran talomuseo preserves Finland’s only vaara hill-farm museum; the museum’s history pages describe mäkitupa settlement from the 1840s to the 1980s and the building stock visitors see today(3). At the Nurmes end of the line, Puukarin kuntopolut and Puukarin ladut share the Puukari outdoor area with winter ski tracks and a snowmobile connector—useful if you arrive by car for a short add-on or a winter approach when conditions suit(2).

The Ukko-Koli demanding accessible trail is about 0.4 km of crushed-surface climbing from Koli Nature Centre Ukko toward a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform overlooking Lake Pielinen in Koli National Park, in Lieksa in North Karelia. Metsähallitus publishes the route description, map cross-references, and national park rules on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit North Karelia’s trail article uses the same length and timing and describes the atmosphere in the old spruce hill forest before the path turns aside just short of the steep stone steps that lead other hikers toward Ukko-Koli summit(2). Kolilla’s Accessible Koli page does not name this spur specifically, but it usefully frames how families plan mixed-ability days around Koli when some people need the gentlest possible surfaces and still want memorable views(3). From the yard at Kolin luontokeskus Ukko the route slips behind the building near Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus and Koli Relax Spa. After the radio mast the surface climbs steeply through hummocky spruce–moss forest, passes the branch toward Akka-Koli, and soon reaches a junction for the final pull toward Ukko-Koli. Just before the tall rock stairs the accessible line bends right through the trees to the dedicated viewing deck with a low railing and the classic panorama south over Pielinen(1)(2). The viewing spots are natural landmarks and you move at your own risk; leave the open tops if thunder approaches and check Ilmatieteenlaitos warnings before heading out(1)(2). Walk back the same way. For a break beside an accessible fireplace, Pääministerin tulentekopaikka sits next to the nature centre and can be reached without steps; there is no firewood service there, so bring your own or buy it at Kolin luontokeskus Ukko or the hotel as Luontoon.fi explains(1). The centre itself offers step-free access to its shop, café, and exhibition spaces(1)(2). Junction posts carry the demanding-accessible trail symbol together with the yellow circle shared with the Summit Trail toward the fell tops(1)(2). If you want a longer walk on connected lines, the Summit Trail, Sataman polku (Harbour Trail), and other Koli hiking routes start from the same parking cluster. The route is intended for snow-free conditions; dress for quick weather changes, wear shoes that grip on gravel and roots, and carry water, snacks, a litter bag, and a charged phone(1)(2). During forest or grass fire warnings open fires at Pääministerin tulentekopaikka stay banned—follow Metsähallitus guidance on Luontoon.fi—and keep dogs leashed throughout the national park(1).

This is a short, point-to-point walk of about 1.2 km in Ilomantsi, North Karelia, trending toward Kuuksenvaaran pallokenttä at Kuuksenvaarantie 20. Ilomantsi lists its hiking trail network, interactive map links, and seasonal maintenance notes on the municipality’s trail hub, which is the right place to double-check names, closures, and the exact line before you head out(1). Roughly 0.7 km along the trace it lies on Tetrijärven lenkki, Ilomantsi’s renowned roughly 30 km ski circuit in winter. Visit Karelia’s field description for that loop explains how the trail climbs across fields toward Kuuksenvaara before dropping through younger forest—helpful context for the same hill-and-field scenery this shorter summer footpath crosses(2). Many Ilomantsi ski trails double as fitness paths when snow is gone; the City of Ilomantsi notes that most Puru (ski) tracks work as running tracks in the snow-free season, while full grooming follows the winter calendar(1)(2). If you continue on Tetrijärven lenkki itself, Visit Karelia highlights well-kept laavu stops and links to live track status for skiers(2). Along Tetrijärven lenkki, a few well-documented rest points sit farther out on the long winter line—Ruhkarannan uimaranta, Tetrijärven laavu with its campfire, and related outdoor firewood and dry-toilet stops appear in regional trip writing as well as in Visit Karelia’s ski-trail copy(2)(3). Karoliina Kaski’s winter visit to Tetrijärven laavu on Retkipaikka praises the laavu’s firewood shelter, dry toilets, terrace, and lakeside atmosphere on Taitajan taipale near Ilomantsi—useful colour even if your own walk today stops well short of that hut(3). Use the municipality’s map tools for the freshest local naming, because some distributor labels still show a placeholder title rather than a public trail name(1).

Jyri Trail is about 16.7 km of signed forest trail around Jyrinkylä in Liperi, North Karelia. It is one branch of the Kinttupolut network (roughly 65 km across seven linked circuits) managed and described by the City of Liperi(1). For trail character, access, and safety tips, the Visit North Karelia page for this route—produced with Liperi—covers semi-urban forest, lake shores, roots, short ski-trail connectors, and a few steep pulls where many people step off the bike(2). The trail is about 16.7 km long. It is marked in yellow(2). Along the way you pass several rest points that appear in our data: early on, Sompalammen laavu makes a natural first stop; Harinjärven kota sits a few kilometres farther along the shore; Parkin Grilli offers a shelter and fire ring near the Pärnä Bike Park lower area; higher on Pärnävaara, Pärnävaaran varauskota is a reservable kota (book through the municipality’s booking system listed on the city’s fireplace pages)(1). The route threads past small lakes; the Nuottilampi footbridge is often highlighted as one of the prettiest spots on Liperi’s Kinttupolut, with views toward a nearby nature reserve(2). Paloaukea, on the Jyrinkylä school and former garrison area, is widely known in Finnish literature as the opening setting of Väinö Linna’s The Unknown Soldier(2). Kinttupolut connects at Lykynlammi with Lykynpolut, Jaama Trail (maintained by the City of Joensuu)(3), and onward toward Kontionpolut and Harjupolut as one signed regional system(1)(3). The same network includes the Matkalampi and Heinälampi branches you can combine from shared junctions if you want a longer day(1). Liperi is east of Joensuu; North Karelia’s lake-and-forest terrain shows in the mix of shoreline paths, esker woods, and short road crossings—take care on busier crossings and when roots are wet(1)(2). Ylämylly offers the nearest shops and cafés for supplies after a long outing(2).

The Naukuniemi–Raiskionaho trail is a short marked hiking link on Lake Neitijärvi in the Ruunaa hiking area in Lieksa, North Karelia. Metsähallitus manages Ruunaa; the Luontoon.fi Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros page(1) is the best official entry point for maps and route notes for the wider Neitijärvi network, and Visit Karelia(2) describes the full Neitijärvi loop including the Airovirta rowboat crossing that hikers use on longer circuits. The trail is about 1.4 km and is not a loop. It runs between the Kattilaniemi and Airovirta shore area and the Naukuniemi end toward Raiskionaho, with two fixed rowboat crossings: Airovirta ylitysvene and Naukuniemi ylitysvene. Along the way you pass Airovirta tulentekopaikka and, toward the Naukuniemi end, Naukuniemi tulentekopaikka; dry toilets are sited at Kattilaniemi kuivakäymälä (near the Kattilaniemi cluster), Airovirta kuivakäymälä, and Naukuniemi kuivakäymälä. Treat the boats as part of the back-country infrastructure: follow instructions posted at the landings, keep crossings brief when others are waiting, and avoid open fire during forest or grass fire warnings. This segment sits inside the same marked trail system as Ruunaa Neitijärven kierros, Ruunaa Koskikierros, and Rönkönkierros, and it connects to the long Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) hiking corridor. Retkipaikka(3) has a ground-level walk-through of another short Ruunaa path at Neitikoski that shows how signage and service points are laid out across the area. For driving directions and parking hubs across Ruunaa, use the Ruunaa arrival and parking guidance on Luontoon.fi(4). Lieksa lies in North Karelia. Summers can be humid and mosquitoes plentiful; sturdy footwear is wise on rooty lake-shore paths.

Shepherd's Path (Paimenen polku) is about 2.4 km of hiking in Koli National Park on the wooded slopes of Paimenenvaara near Lieksa in North Karelia. For maps, services, and the wider trail network, start with the Koli National Park hiking and outdoor section on Luontoon.fi(1). Metsähallitus has published a dedicated Paimenen polku route guide aimed at schools and visitors, with twelve information boards about herb-rich forest, trees, and plants in Finnish, English, German, and Russian(2). Via Karelia places Koli National Park in context for travellers exploring the Karelia region(4). The trail climbs steeply through handsome deciduous forest, crosses a gentler middle section that Retkipaikka contributor Luontopolkumies Mika Markkanen compares to an old cart track, then drops past short duckboard stretches to rocky Paskovaara with views over Lake Jerojärvi toward Verkkovaara(3). Orange circle markers appear at junctions; carry a map in case of side paths on the rock(3). About 1.5 km into the walk, Paimenenvaaran tulentekopaikka offers a simple campfire ring with a wood shed—good for a break before the steeper descent(3). The route ties into other Koli walks: Paimenen polku yhdyspolut links directly at the trailhead area, while Ukko-Koli itärinne reitit, Mäkrän Kierto, and Kolinuuron Kierros start nearby and share the same hill landscape with additional viewpoints and services toward Ukko-Koli. Lieksa hosts the park gateway settlements; North Karelia’s lake-and-ridge scenery frames the outing. Expect moderate fitness demand: stone steps, roots, and short duckboards after wet weather(2)(3).

The Tetrijärvi Loop is about 9.2 km of marked circle walking through the Mujejärvi nature reserve north of Nurmes in North Karelia, threading forested ridges, spruce stands, and lakeshore mire with long stretches of duckboards beside Tetrijärvi. Visit Karelia hosts the main trail page with driving directions, timing, official difficulty class, and safety reminders for boardwalks in wet weather(1). Metsähallitus presents the wider Mujejärvi hiking corridor on Luontoon.fi(2), and Via Karelia sketches how the reserve sits in the regional landscape(3). Most hikers start at either Hiltuslahti parkkipaikka or Talvilahti parkkipaikka (both have campfire corners nearby: Hiltuslahti tulentekopaikka and Talvilahti tulentekopaikka). From Hiltuslahti the route soon climbs the Kukonsärkä esker ridge above dwarf-pine bogs, then crosses open mire on duckboards before dropping toward Tetrijärvi. About two kilometres along, the path meets the shorter Kukonlammen kierros—handy if you want a smaller loop on the same ridge line. At roughly the midpoint, Teerilaavu, Teerilaavu tulentekopaikka, and a small Tetrijärvi shoreline make a natural lunch stop; read more on our Teerilaavu page for the shelter itself. Dry toilets are available near shelters without calling each one out by name. Past Teerilaavu the trail hugs the north shore toward TETRIJÄRVI eräkämppä (rental wilderness cabin at the north end of the lake), then swings south past Talvilahti parkkipaikka and Talvilahti kaivo to close the circle back toward Hiltuslahti, still within the same 30 km Mujejärvi trail network Visit Karelia describes(1). Earlier on the western side, Murtolahti laavu and Murtolahti laavu tulentekopaikka sit in the Murtolahti bay cluster a little under a kilometre from Talvilahti—easy to reach if you begin from that parking field. The long Mujejärvi Trail shares these breakpoints if you want to extend onto a point-to-point traverse. Luontopolkumies adds on-the-ground detail on orange paint markings, boardwalk quirks, and how quietly trafficked the loop can feel outside peak weekends on Retkipaikka(4). Berry and mushroom picking for your own use is allowed in the protected area according to regional guidance(1). Pack insect protection in summer(1). Expect limited mobile coverage in places(1). Respect fire instructions: open fire is forbidden during wildfire warnings and in strong wind(1).

Pärnä Trail is the shortest branch of Liperi’s Kinttupolut network (about 65 km across seven linked circuits) but packs the steepest climbing near Pärnävaara Sports Centre in Ylämylly. The City of Liperi maintains the network and describes each branch on its Kinttupolut pages(1). Visit North Karelia publishes a dedicated Pärnä Trail page with the same route facts and safety notes(2). The trail is about 3.8 km long. It is marked in black(2). From the lower car park at the sports centre (Urheilutie 5A), following the ring clockwise is the more natural direction: you soon leave short ski-track bases for narrow needle-forest paths, pass the lower Pärnä Bike Park area (watch for crossing traffic and follow safety signage there)(1)(2), then climb roughly 75 m on ski-track bases toward the summit of Pärnävaara, where a small nature reserve offers the best views over the surroundings(2). The return leg is mostly downhill on ski-track bases. Along the route you pass the biathlon practice slope and Pärnävaaran pulkkamäki near the start, then Pärnävaaran varauskota (a reservable kota—book through the municipality’s booking system referenced on the city’s fireplace listings)(1), Parkin Grilli shelter and fire ring by the bike park, and toward the far end Pieni Heinälampi, laavu for a lean-to stop by the pond(1). The route shares junctions with the wider Kinttupolut system: you can link toward Kinttupolut - Jyri Trail, Kinttupolut / Heinälampi Trail, winter ski routes, or Pärnävaaran asvaltoitu kuntorata when you want a longer day(1). Visit Liperi summarises trailheads, winter tracks, and other services around Pärnävaara Sports Centre for planning a fuller outing in Ylämylly(3). Liperi lies east of Joensuu in North Karelia; expect mixed forest paths, ski-track bases, roots, and stones that can be slippery in wet weather(2). Ylämylly has the nearest shops and cafés after a short outing(2).

Pappilanluhta local trail is a short loop of about 0.9 km through the Pappilanluhta wetland bird habitat beside Lieksa town centre in North Karelia, along Kantatie 73 toward Joensuu. For wetland history, barrier-free access to the tower, parking beside the road, and how the site links to surrounding neighbourhoods, start with the City of Lieksa’s outdoor pages(1). Koli.fi’s local trails guide lists the same ring as the Pappilanluhta wetland bird trail and spells out the wheelchair- and stroller-friendly boardwalk to Pokron Pisa, plus the full circuit distance from the car park(2). About 0.13 km into the walk you reach Pokron pisa -lintutorni, a viewing tower over the roughly 14-hectare fen; water levels track Lake Pielinen. The approach to the tower is barrier-free on a wooden footbridge of roughly 200 metres(2). Beyond the tower, the path continues on duckboards and woodland paths through birch forest and closes the loop back at the tower(3). Retkipaikka walks through the same sequence for birdwatching and seasonal flowers, with practical notes on visiting in May and June(3). In winter the city maintains neighbourhood ski tracks; Sittalampi taajama latu passes the same tower on Lieksa’s groomed network, while walking on ski tracks is restricted when the city posts winter rules(1). Lieksa is the municipality for this easy outing, and North Karelia is the wider region. A Karjalainen preview line from spring 2024 remarked how much water stood on the wetland that season and echoed how peaceful the pocket can feel on a quiet day(4).

Särkiselä Nature Trail is about 7.7 km in Outokumpu, North Karelia, on the Outokumpu wilderness and nature centre (Erä- ja luontokeskus) grounds among ridge crests and lake shores a few kilometres from the town centre. For trail descriptions and maps on the national outdoor site, start from Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Karelia describes the route as demanding, with forest road and path, rocky tread in places, small bridges, and short climbs and stairways; rocky outcrops can be slippery in wet weather(2). City of Outokumpu notes the municipality owns the wider recreation area, lists lean-tos, kota shelters, an accessible Salmen cooking shelter, and a children’s fishing spot on Ravijärvi with Karhunpaviljionki, and points to canoe and SUP rental from Kaunisniemi café by the beaches for the twelve-lake paddling network(3). About 3 km along the route you reach Särkiselän uimaranta, a sandy swimming beach on Rikkarannantie—natural place for a swim on a warm day. The trail links the same landscape that trip writers describe as combining Musta and Valkeinen lake circuits; Luonnon mukaan’s walk report from the area notes green paint markings on the main nature-trail line, duckboards and a bridge to an island lean-to on Valkeinen, and rocky ridge sections where pine needles can also be slick underfoot(4). In winter the terrain overlaps the groomed ski corridor Mustikkakorpi–Mustantammi latu where our data shows a shared line—worth combining if you ski locally and want to see the same ridges under snow. For current conditions on the marked hiking trail and any local notices, Luontoon.fi(1) and the city’s outdoor pages(3) are the best places to check before you go.

Oskola nature trail is a point-to-point hiking path in the former Kiihtelysvaara countryside within Joensuu in North Karelia. The trail is about 3.2 km as one line on our map; the City of Joensuu describes it as roughly 3.5 km from Merilä village to Oskolankoski, and many people walk it out and back for a round trip of about seven to seven and a half kilometres in total(1). For the latest distances, facilities, and contacts, start with the City of Joensuu nature trails listing(1). The route runs through pine forest and along lake shores, linking Melakko and Loitimo and finishing at the wide, calm channel at Oskolankoski(2). Yellow-topped posts and yellow paint marks show the way(1)(2). Along the line there are boards about local nature; independent walkers also describe seventeen numbered information points and booklet maps in a mailbox at the trail end(2). You can branch off to Liiteriniemi swimming beach, with signage from the main path(1). At Oskolankoski there is a laavu and campfire place, and you can also reach the laavu area by car for a shorter visit(1). Near the bridge, the Oskola battle memorial stands beside the path(2). The same river landscape belongs to the longer Jänisjoen melontareitti (Joensuu) kayaking route on our map, useful context if you combine hiking with paddling plans. Terrain is varied for a short trail: ridge sections, lakeside walking, a bridge over Melapuro, and wet grass in places in summer(2). Ticks occur in tall grass, so covered footwear is sensible(2). Retkipaikka’s walk-through by Luontopolkumies captures the atmosphere and pacing of a summer day on the trail(2).

Ruunaa Vastuuniemi circuit is about 10.4 km of marked hiking in Metsähallitus Ruunaa recreation area south of Lieksa in North Karelia. The day walk threads Lieksanjoki and Murroojärvi shores, crosses open mires on duckboards, and uses the hand-pulled cable ferry at Vastuuniemi ylitysvene to reach Vastuuniemi before returning toward Siikakoski. For maps, route descriptions for the wider Ruunaa network, and the latest official visitor guidance, start from Luontoon.fi(1). City of Lieksa publishes complementary local outdoor information and contacts(2). Latu&Polku classifies Vastuuniemen kierros among the tougher marked day routes in Ruunaa together with Koskikierros and Neitijärven kierros(4). Most people stage the outing from the Siikakoski–Horkka service cluster. Siikakoski pysäköintialue 1, Siikakoski pysäköintialue ylempi, and Horkka pysäköintialue sit around the footbridge and timber-slide zone; Siikakoski kalatie asuntovaunualue 1 and Siikakosken kalatie asuntovaunualue 3 add camper parking nearer the fish ladder tracks. From the riverbank you are in the same hub as Siikakosken lenkki 3 km and Siikakosken lenkki 5 km, so it is easy to warm up on a shorter ring before committing to the lake crossing. Uittopato tulentekopaikka marks the old splash-dam works beside Lieksanjoki, while Horkan laavu, Siikakoski laavu, Horkka tulentekopaikka, and Siikakoski tulentekopaikka give shelter and fireplaces steps from the rapids. Heading upstream along Lieksanjoki the path turns toward Murroopuro and Murroosuvanto. Murroosuvannon laavu perches above the rocky shoreline with Murroosuvanto tulentekopaikka and Murroopuro tulentekopaikka close by for long breaks. Murroojärven laavu sits at the narrows where you board the ylitysvene; Tiina’s Kävelystä ja elämästä blog describes stout wooden rowboats, shared life jackets, and the need to haul the boat back to the departure shore so the next group can cross(3). After landing on Vastuuniemi you climb a short forested spur before contouring Murroolahti toward Vastuuniemi pysäköintialue, which can also work as an alternative trailhead for the lake half. Niskalahti tulentekopaikka and Murroonkangas tulentekopaikka break up the eastern woods before Murrookosken laavu welcomes a rest beside Murrookoski. Closing the circuit returns you across Siikakoski silta toward the lower parking pockets; many accounts tally roughly ten kilometres of walking plus the boat pull(3). Ruunaa Koskikierros and Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) are the major longer trails that share this shoreline geography if you want to extend another day. Practical details for fireplaces and laavut appear on our pages for those places when you need maps pins or category notes.

Helvetinportti Trail is about 0.6 km one way on a wooded hillside in the Eno countryside east of Joensuu, ending at a cliff-top viewpoint over a ravine, stream gorge, and small bog lake. Because you walk the same path back, plan for roughly 1.2 km in total. For route facts, closures, and how this short path fits the wider Joensuu trail network, start from Joensuun kaupunki outdoor pages(1). The city describes a linear path marked with red paint and no separate campfire or picnic shelter along the way(1). Underfoot the climb is short but you still gain on the order of a few tens of metres of elevation; Retkipaikka notes that sneakers are enough for many walkers on the dry, not especially steep climb, and that the reward is a wide view from the rim toward the lower forest pond and the gorge landscape(2). Karu Survival emphasises how clearly the winter route stays marked from the roadside sign through the ascent to the overlook, and how the snow-laden forest can feel very quiet in cold weather(3). Neither our page nor the official listing places a lean-to or firewood here, so pack a light layer and water for a brief outing. Joensuu straddles North Karelia’s lake and esker country; this pocket near Kuismavaara is a compact introduction to those ice-sculpted landforms without committing to a long day hike. If you want more distance in the same direction, combine the drive with other Eno-area walks from Joensuun kaupunki listings once you have checked the latest notes there(1). Geocachers sometimes seek a cache in the area; Retkipaikka and Karu Survival both mention geocaching as an extra draw for visitors who already carry coordinates(2)(3).

This page describes a very short loop of about 0.2 km on the Elovaara esker in Hammaslahti, south of Joensuu in North Karelia. It sits on the same Salpausselkä ridge system as the longer Harjupolku outing the City of Joensuu documents for Elovaara: that full ridge trail is about 2.5 km, marked in red, and runs along harju crests with views into deep suppa hollows(1). The accessible rest area by the Harjupolku parking—Elovaaran esteetön avokota with a campfire and dry toilet, firewood supplied by the city(1)—lies beside the main access from Rääkkyläntie. A little way along the ridge route you reach Elovaaran luontopolun laavu, shared with Elovaaran luontopolku (yellow markings)(1). For the full ridge walk, see our Elovaaran harjupolku page; for the parallel nature loop, see Elovaaran luontopolku. Terrain and scenery match other Elovaara write-ups: steep-sided, forested esker with benches and popular weekend use(2)(3). For current notices and the authoritative description of distances and facilities, use the City of Joensuu’s nature trails listing(1).

Salpalinja Winter Trail is a maintained winter walking and cycling route on Jaamankangas in Kontiolahti, North Karelia. The winter line follows parts of the same forest paths as the summer Kontionpolut network and is groomed for foot travel and wide-tire bikes when snow allows. For current winter routes, combination options with Stadium Winter Trail, and contact details for the trail system, start with the City of Kontiolahti’s Kontionpolut page(1). Visit Karelia describes the related summer Salpalinja loop as easy forest walking and mountain biking past World War II Salpa Line tank obstacles and trenches, with information boards along the way(2). Luontoon.fi lists the same Kontionpolut / Salpalinja Trail corridor for trip planning in Metsähallitus outdoor materials(3). Along the winter route you pass Jaamankankaan kotalaavu early: an accessible kota-style shelter where firewood is stored in a woodshed and an accessible dry toilet is available; a forest track also reaches the shelter for visitors who need a barrier-free approach(2). About 1.3 km from the start you reach Hirvirannan uimapaikka on Hirvirannantie, a swimming spot with a campfire place for breaks in warmer seasons(2). Near the route end, Kontiorannan frisbeegolfrata and Kontiolahden ampumahiihtokeskus sit beside Napakympintie—handy landmarks if you combine a walk with other local outdoor or event facilities. The route shares junctions with other Kontionpolut loops: Kontionpolut / Salpalinja Trail and Kontionpolut / Stadium Trail (bike and walking variants), Kontionpolut / Välilampi Trail toward Välilampien laavu and campfire spots, Kontiolahden hiihtoreitit for skiing, and longer ties such as Jaama Trail toward Joensuu and links toward Koli National Park on regional trail maps(1)(2). Play Kontiolahti’s winter article notes groomed surfaces from a snowmobile-drawn trail groomer, optional fatbike rental at Kontiolahti Outdoor by the biathlon stadium, and the value of a helmet when surfaces are icy(4). Kontiolahti lies east of Joensuu. North Karelia’s lake-and-forest scenery frames Jaamankangas, and the region is known for long-distance trail networks that connect municipalities across eastern Finland.

The Apajalahti Nature Trail is about 2.7 km on Varpasalo in Rääkkylä, North Karelia, winding through private nature reserves where the best-known section is a fine common-alder swamp, plus rock outcrops that can be slippery when wet. Rääkkylä sits in North Karelia on northern Lake Saimaa; Varpasalo is one of the municipality’s large inland islands linked toward Oravisalo across Ihalansalmi. For trail details, winter use, the lean-to and fire ring, directions from the bridge, and how to ask permission for overnight stays in the lean-to or summer barn, start with Pohjoisen Saimaan Saaristo’s trails and rest stops section(1). The same island group is threaded by the Saaristo Trail cycling network documented on Visit Karelia by the City of Rääkkylä, including parking and signage notes for the bridge access point(2). About a third of a kilometre into the walk you reach Apajalahden luontopolun laavu—a lean-to and campfire spot where waste is not collected at the fireplace, so pack everything out. Local news has noted volunteer-built boardwalk work in the alder swamp, which helps keep feet dry in wet sections(3). Marking uses wooden arrow posts and ribbons, and junctions have map boards with you-are-here markers. The landscape suits bird and plant enthusiasts and works as a short family outing; snowshoes are a practical choice when snow is deep(1). On our map the route meets Karelianpolut / Saaristo Trail (about 39 km of cycling on the island road network) and shares endpoints with Varpasalon patikointireitti (roughly 8 km on foot, yellow–orange markers on that separate circuit) and Varpasalon hiihtoreitti (about 8.5 km groomed skiing by seasonal snow). If you want beaches, wilderness-style kota shelters, ferries, or longer cycling legs, those routes pass places such as Varpasalon uimapaikka, Varpasalon erän kota, and Salpapolun laavu nearby(1)(2). Read more on our pages for Apajalahden luontopolun laavu and those linked trails when you plan a longer day.

Tapion Taival Trail is about 19.5 km point-to-point through Metsähallitus-managed Koitajoki country in Ilomantsi, North Karelia, near Finland’s eastern border. The southern half mostly follows meandering Koitajoki with sandy bays and quiet river forest; roughly the northern third crosses old-growth forest in Koivusuo Strict Nature Reserve, where you must stay on the marked trail(3). For official route information and updates from Metsähallitus, start with the Tapion Taival Trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Ilomantsi summarizes local access and warns that spring floods can cover riverside sections(2). VisitKarelia rates the hike as demanding, quotes about six hours of walking for fit hikers, and notes orange paint marking on trees, a narrow and rooty tread, modest height gain, no winter maintenance, and weak mobile signal—carry a paper map or offline GPX(3). Via Karelia places the wider Koitajoki protected area in the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve and gives driving hints toward northern, central, and southern parking areas(4). On the ground the one-way layout is easiest to think of from Hoikantie pysäköintialue at the north end toward Lakonkangas pysäköintialue in the south (you can also walk it the other way). About 2.7 km from the Hoikantie start you reach Pirhunvaara talon kaivo and Pirhunvaara kuivakäymälä in the Pirhunvaara farm area. Around 6.5–7.2 km Palokangas tulentekopaikka and Palokangas kuivakäymälä sit near POLVIKOSKI eräkämppä, with Polvikoski pysäköintialue 2 and Polvikoski pysäköintalue beside the river—handy if you want a shorter out-and-back or a mid-route start. This cluster is where Tapion Taival meets Koitajoki reitti and Pirhun kierto, so you can plan longer loops or add days in the same river landscape. About 13 km along, Niemipuro autiotupa, Niemipuro tulentekopaikka, and Niemipuro kuivakäymälä form a compact rest and overnight cluster. Near 17 km Hanhikoski autiotupa, Hanhikoski tulentekopaikka, and Hanhikoski kuivakäymälä offer another sheltered stop before the finish. In the last couple of kilometres Lakonkankaan laavu, Lakonkangas tulentekopaikka, and Lakonkangas kuivakäymälä sit close together, then Lakonkangas pysäköintialue marks the southern trailhead. Dry toilets are available at these overnight and day-use clusters.

For the municipal map link, length note, and how this shore path fits Lehmo’s built edge, start with the City of Kontiolahti outdoor and nature trails hub(1). Visit Karelia’s Onkilampi Trail article adds turn-by-turn driving, public-transport hints, safety lists, and how the blue-marked shore path links into Harjupolut and Joensuu’s wider trail network(2). The trail is about 3.8 km along Onkilampi in Kontiolahti, North Karelia, where the lakeland meets easy forest floor, roots, and duckboards on wet sections. It begins beside Onkilammen uimaranta at Rantakuja 3—after a swim or a pause at the beach you follow the marked path toward the Lehmon sports corner. About 3.2 km into the walk you pass Lehmon treeniportaat and Lehmon ulkokuntosali, and a little farther Julien pallokenttä—useful landmarks where Harjupolut, Onkilampi Trail, the lit ski line Latu Utranharju-Rantakylä-Törönpuro, and other local networks meet the same facilities. Hei joku Joensuu’s Onkilampi column sketches the lakeshore loop from a Joensuu-side perspective—detours via Valimontie and where the path tucks between cottages—and calls out a jetty and birdlife along the way(4). Harjupolut’s longer riding and running strands touch this shore; Visit Karelia notes mountain bikers should wear a helmet and expect challenging boardwalks after rain(2). The same article reminds walkers about forest-fire warnings, spring snowmelt mud, and that there is no winter maintenance(2). The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation’s regional partners published a Suomen luonnon päivä hike notice that met at the beach car park and repeats that the path is easy but not barrier-free; bring sturdy footwear and plan access accordingly if you use wheels or pushchairs(3).

The Kinttupolut connector trail is an easy, roughly 9.6 km link in Liperi, North Karelia, between the Pärnävaara–Heinälampi–Surmilampi trail cluster and the Lykynlampi outdoor hub. For closures, forestry work near the network, and the latest rules, check the Municipality of Liperi’s Kinttupolut pages(1). Visit Karelia hosts a route card that describes how the violet-marked line joins the wider Joensuu-region trail system(2). The route is point-to-point and mostly follows maintained ski-trail bases and forest roads rather than technical singletrack, which makes it a straightforward way to move between two busy parts of the Kinttupolut–Lykynpolut network(2). Near the west end, the line meets the same junction area as Surmilampi Trail and Heinälampi Trail around Heinälampi, laavu ja kotus, Pieni Heinälampi, laavu, and Surmilammen laavu—good places to pause before or after the connector(1). About 1.8 km from the start you pass Surmilammen laavu; the eastern finish gathers Lykynlammen Kotalaavu, Lykynlammen laavu, Lykynlammen kuntoportaat, and the Lykynlampi ski stadium and disc golf course—typical services for a regional sports lake(2). Along the way, information boards help you stay oriented toward Lykynpolut or Jaama Trail(2). The route shares short sections with other colour-coded lines—Visit Karelia notes overlaps with Surmilampi Trail (turquoise), Mertalampi Trail (yellow), and Jaama Trail (orange) on different legs—so watch paint and signs if you hop between variants(2). Expect a couple of asphalt road crossings; one stretch runs beside Joensuu airport before you drop toward Lykynlampi(2). Together with Jaama Trail and Kontionpolut, the same signposted family of routes reaches on the order of two hundred kilometres across the Joensuu region(1)(2). National broadcaster Yle reported the completion of the wider 65 km Kinttupolut ring network and reminds that dogs are welcome on leash throughout the system(3). Mountain bikers use the same Kinttupolut network in the snow-free season; choose an easy pace on the gravel and ski-base surfaces if you ride this link(1). Winter walkers should avoid walking on groomed ski tracks except where a signed winter trail explicitly allows it(1).

Polvela–Koppelon nature trail is about 2.3 km one way through the forest and mire mosaic beside the Koppelon old-growth reserve in Petrovaara, Juuka, in North Karelia. For route descriptions, printable maps, and the InfoGIS layer, the Municipality of Juuka publishes the Koppalo nature trail page(1). That page describes the wider Muurahaisen polku walk—also called the ant trail—which official copy places at roughly 3.3 km one way through the same protected woodland, with kulotus openings, rocky patches, ponds, peatlands, older forest, and a lookout from Pitkävaara on the longer circuit(1). Luontopolkumies on Retkipaikka filled in how the red tree marks read on the ground, the feel of Pitkävaara’s climb on the full path, and where beaver works and side paths show near the stream and forest-road end(2). Mari Starck’s Muurahaisen polku article on Retkipaikka spells out parking at both ends, the short distance from Koppalanjärventie to the lean-to, and that no firewood was stocked on the day of that visit—carry dry fuel if you plan to light the grate(3). This mapped leg is a shorter approach toward Koppelon luontopolun laavu and links cleanly to Koppalon aarniometsän luontopolku for anyone who wants the classic one-way hike to the turnaround near Lietukan lampi or a return leg along the same markings(1)(3). Juuka also groups more outdoor ideas on its Luontokohteet overview(4). Whether you treat this as a quick there-and-back or combine it with the longer connector is a matter of schedule. Luontopolkumies notes a lean-to and fire pit within a short walk of the Koppalanjärventie parking lay-by, with an information board that still introduces Muurahaisen polku even when weather fades the main sign(2). Boards along the wider circuit talk about boreal old forest and rich fens; duckboards cross wet benches, and spring drainage can make sturdy boots the practical choice(2)(3). The Municipality of Juuka should still be your first stop for closure or maintenance surprises, especially after storms or heavy snow(1).

Metsähallitus documents the Mäkrä-area day trails on Luontoon.fi(1). For the long lakeshore round, use the northern Herajärvenkierros trail page for maps, services, and condition notes(2). Visit North Karelia introduces the demanding Mäkrän loop—about 7.4 km—with blue paint and numbered junction signs on posts, climbing to Mäkrävaara and passing hay-meadow pockets such as Ikolanaho with a campfire stop(3). Koli Herajärven kierros describes the full Herajärvi circuit at about 61 km in two joined rings, more than 2 km of cumulative ascent, blue paint along much of the route, and realistic pace guidance for long days on steep terrain(4). Retkipaikka’s first part of a Herajärvi write-up reminds walkers to check current water-point rules before relying on park sources—several intakes can be closed—and sketches how the journey links Ryläys, Kiviniemi, and wider Koli scenery(5). The trail is about 1.3 km and is not a loop. Lieksa lies in North Karelia; the path sits in the Koli national landscape beside Lake Herajärvi and ties into the bigger trails that circle the lake. Within a few tens of metres from the line you reach Mäkränmaja vuokratupa, a reservable wilderness-style cabin that also appears on Lake Herajärvi Circuit and Mäkrän Kierto; see our Mäkränmaja vuokratupa page for booking and hut-focused detail. If you arrive from the Ukko-Koli side, Mäkrän Kierto provides the familiar eight-shaped day hike past Mäkrävaara; Lake Herajärvi Circuit is the long-distance link toward Kiviniemi, crossings like the Sikosalmi pull ferry, and Rykiniemi’s beaches. Ukko-Kolin ladut overlap the same crest roads in winter as ski infrastructure, while the very short Mäkränmaja polku is the direct foot link into the rental hut yard. Expect a narrow forest path typical of Koli’s midslope connections: roots and stone underfoot even when the gradient stays modest on this short connector. Carry water from reliable points on longer stages; Visit North Karelia and Metsähallitus materials are the practical companions once you leave this segment for Mäkrän Kierto or Herajärvi(1)(2)(3).

The trail is about 0.3 km and lies in Lieksa, in North Karelia, on the Ukko-Koli visitor hill beside Lake Pielinen. It is a short, marked link in the dense Koli National Park trail network around Yläpiha, the Ipatinvaara slope area, and Kolin luontokeskus Ukko. For the wider harbour-to-summit route, markings at junctions, and park rules, see the Sataman polku page on Luontoon.fi(1). Via Karelia describes Sataman polku as running from Ukko-Koli’s Uhrihalkeama via Ipatti down toward the harbour, a little over two kilometres in total(2). The Metsähallitus Koli trail brochure map labels the Ipatti area and shows segment lengths on the same network as Sataman polku(3). Koli.fi notes roughly 80 km of marked trails in and around the national park, with campfire sites, laavus, and wilderness huts along many routes(4). Along this short line you are a few hundred metres from Vaaralanaho tulentekopaikka and Vaaralanaho kuivakäymälä if you use nearby paths toward the Vaaralanaho heritage farm fringe. At the hilltop end, Kolin luontokeskus Ukko is the main visitor centre for exhibitions and up-to-date park information. Koli pysäköintialue 1, Koli pysäköintialue 2 ja 3, Ukko-Kolin laskettelukeskus, Koli Relax Spa, and Pääministerin tulentekopaikka all sit within a short walk of the same yard—useful landmarks when you stitch this segment into Kylän Polku, Vanhan metsän polku, Ukko-Koli itärinne reitit, or the longer Sataman polku. Metsähallitus reminds visitors that Koli’s open cliff tops are slippery when wet or icy and are not fenced; leave summits if thunderstorms approach(3). In snow, do not cross Ipatti ski slopes off the marked winter access pattern described for the wider harbour route(3). Keep dogs on leash as in other Koli National Park guidance(3).

The Nälmänpuro–Suomu trail is about 4.3 km one way through Patvinsuo National Park, linking the Nälmänjoki–Nälmänpuro rest area with the Suomu visitor hub by Lake Suomunjärvi. Metsähallitus describes trails, structures, seasonal access (including cable ferries elsewhere in the park network), and current restrictions on the Patvinsuo National Park pages on Luontoon.fi(1). For route marking, typical gear, ferry checks, and how the longer Patvinkierto ring uses the same bog-and-forest scenery, Visit Karelia’s Patvinkierto guide is a practical companion(2). Lieksa lies in North Karelia. The City of Lieksa publishes outdoor pages that introduce Patvinsuo together with Koli, Ruunaa, and other regional highlights(3). At the Nälmänjoki end, Nälmänjoki tulentekopaikka and Nälmänjoki telttailualue sit at the route start, with Nälmänjoki kuivakäymälä a few steps away—handy if you are joining from the Patvinkierto circle trail or pausing overnight at Nälmänpuro. Retkipaikka’s Patvinkierto trip account names Nälmänpuro as one of four tent sites on that 25 km loop and describes the long duckboard crossings and open bogs you work through elsewhere on the circuit(4). About 4.3 km on, you reach Suomu pysäköintialue, Suomu talo, and Patvinsuo suomu pihakaivo at the Suomu service cluster. From here the marked network fans out: Patvinkierto retkeilyreitti and Suomunkierto retkeilyreitti join the same hub, and Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) passes through for multi-day journeys toward Ruunaa and the eastern border country. See more on our pages for Suomu luontotupa / sisämajoitus, Suomu vuokrattava rantasauna, and Suomunkierto if you are extending onto the lake circuit.

For route directions, the clockwise marking system, safety reminders, and the demanding difficulty rating Visit Karelia publishes for this loop, see their Iso-Valkeinen trail page(1). Via Karelia summarises Peurajärvi recreation forest as a compact family-friendly lake and ridge destination with two main ring hikes and links toward Paistinvaara old-growth and longer trail networks(2). Luontopolkumies Mika Markkanen’s walk on Retkipaikka adds practical pacing—where the path overlaps Mäntyjärvi loop, how the orange paint marks read on the ground, and why the short climb toward Kärnänkivi feels steeper than the main circuit(3). The trail is about 5.9 km as a loop on forested ridges and lake shores in the Peurajärvi area on the Nurmes and Sotkamo boundary in North Karelia. Early on you follow the southwest shore of Iso-Valkeinen past PEURAJÄRVI ISO-HIRVAS savottakämppä, then the peninsula neck where Iso-Valkeisen niemen kota sits with Iso-Valkeinen tulentekopaikka 1, Iso-Valkeinen tulentekopaikka 2, and the Iso-Valkeisen infopisteen kota gathering space—dry toilets are available near the kota and info point without needing to hop between each structure by name. Around two kilometres along, Urtti-Valkeinen tulentekopaikka gives a sheltered campfire pause beside Urtti-Valkeinen. On the east shore, Iso-Valkeinen Itäranta tulentekopaikka marks a logical snack stop before the trail swings north toward Mäntyjärvi. Near kilometre five the route meets Mäntyjärven laavu, Mäntyjärvi tulentekopaikka Nurmes, and Mäntyjärvi kaivo—handy if you refill water or want a swim-friendly sand beach a few steps from the shelter. From that junction you can extend the day on Mäntyjärven kierto or stitch in longer distances on Peurajärvi reitti if you want a bigger tour of the same lake system. Optional side-trip markers point toward Paistinvaaran vanhojen metsien suojelualue and the balancing Kärnänkivi erratic; Visit Karelia budgets roughly 1.6 km return to the rock from the branch(1). Expect sections of duckboards and wooden bridges over wet ground plus exposed footing where roots and stones concentrate on the spur(1)(3).

Kaltimo Lake Circuit is a demanding hiking route of about 25.1 km near Eno in Joensuu, North Karelia. It climbs seven forested fells around Lake Kaltimo, mixing forest-road sections, easier path, and steep rocky climbs to the best viewpoints. For practical difficulty, timing, elevation, and public transport to the trailhead, start with Visit Karelia’s trail page, written by the City of Joensuu(1). The City of Joensuu describes the same route on its nature-trails hub, including how the trail fits into the wider Karjalan kierros network and where it meets Patvinpolku(2). The trail is in lake-and-fell country east of the Joensuu urban area. From the first kilometres you pass the Vallisärkä outdoor cluster: Enon urheilukenttä, Vallisärkän ampumarata, Vallisärkän kuntoportaat, and Enon frisbeegolfrata sit beside the same sports area—useful landmarks if you arrive by car or combine a short warm-up with Vallisärkän kuntorata or Vallisärkän ladut in winter. About 11 km into the circuit you reach Suppuranlammen laavu on our map; the highest fells include Mustavaara at about 268 m and fine outlooks from Suppuravaara at about 223 m(1). Loiran laavu, roughly 21 km along the route, is a second lean-to stop; the Visit Karelia text notes it is less scenic than the Suppuranlampi shelter, which sits more comfortably mid-hike when you start from the south(1). Logging clearings appear in places between the creek valleys and ridge lines(1)(2). Karjalainen highlights orange markings on trees guiding hikers around the circuit and strong scenery on the fell tops in its coverage of the route(3). Joensuu publishes current route text and the Kaltimontupa starting address on its outdoor pages(2). Check Visit Karelia and the City of Joensuu for the latest on conditions and any local notices before you set out(1)(2).

Harpati hiking trail is a day loop of about 12.3 km on the Harpati fells beside Eno in Joensuu, North Karelia. For planning and current conditions, start with the City of Joensuu’s nature trails and hiking routes hub(1) and the Harpatin retkipolku trail page on Luontoon.fi(2), which catalogues the route under Joensuu’s outdoor network. The ring climbs and winds across Harpatinvaara toward the Keski-Koreikkolampi area. Along the way you pass older forest, and visible earthworks from the wars—trenches and anti-tank obstacles—described in community route notes linked to the Harpatin retkipolku geocache series(3). Two lean-tos sit on or near the ring: Hepokallion laavu and Koreikon kalakeitaan laavu, the latter with a dry toilet(3). Clockwise travel is often recommended so Hepokallion laavu falls toward the end of the day; from there a shore path on duckboards follows Hepolampi toward the Kirkkotie side(3). The route begins from the Enon sports centre area on Purokyläntie 9; an alternative start is the Heposärkän cemetery parking area on Kirkkotie 10, with information boards showing the trail map at both access points(3). The loop passes the Enon sports hall, ice arena, and school fields at the village edge before heading into the forest—useful landmarks if you start from Purokyläntie. Near the same cluster, Enon kirkonkylän valaistu kuntorata and Enon kirkonkylän valaistu latu meet the outdoor network, and Harpatin ladut overlaps the hill in winter for skiing(2)(3). In winter, part of the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing; avoid walking on those groomed sections when they are in ski use(3). Volunteer-maintained winter access routes toward Harpatinvaara may be available depending on snow and volunteers, with Kirkkotie 10 mentioned as a winter access point in the same notes(3). Joensuu lists Harpatin retkipolku among longer day hikes spread across Eno, Uimaharju, and other districts(1).

Raesärkkä trails are about 4.8 km of hiking through the Raesärkkä ridge and lake mosaic south of Nurmes in North Karelia, following an old cart track on the open ridge and dropping toward forest and lake shores at the south end. The area is a popular day-trip destination: Via Karelia describes the setting as rolling esker scenery with calm mires, river bends, and older forest in between the ridges(1). For the statutory Natura 2000 boundaries, habitat types, and how the site is zoned into protection forest and recreation forest, see the Finnish Environment Institute’s Raesärkkä site page(2). Retkipaikka’s on-the-ground report by Luontopolkumies gives a practical feel for the wide crest path, named rest benches, and how an optional Iso-Raejärvi loop can stretch the day to about 10 km with duckboards and quieter lakeside paths(3). Visit Bomba notes short spacing between rest spots that suits families and adds that the trails also work for mountain biking(4). Along the about 4.8 km spine, about 2.2 km from the northern end you reach the Iso-Raejärvi kuivakäymälä and Iso-Raejärvi tammi tulentekopaikka beside the Iso-Raejärvi shore—handy for a break before the trail continues toward the Ahven-Valkeinen end. In the last kilometre the route passes Ahven-Valkeinen kuivakäymälä, Ahven-Valkeinen tulentekopaikka, Ahven-valkeinen kuivakäymälä 2, and Ahven-valkeinen tulentekopaikka 2 around the Ahven-Valkeinen shore; Retkipaikka describes a shelter with woodshed, table, fire ring, and a boardwalk to the pond here(3). Raesärkkä pysäköintialue sits at the southern end of the mapped line and matches the main car access from highway 75 described for the area(1)(3). Stay on marked routes in the protected part of the esker; Via Karelia reminds visitors that there is no dedicated ring trail through the whole site, only a through-hiking line on the old track bed(1). Nurmes lies on the north–south highway linking Kuopio and Kuhmo; Raesärkkä is west of the centre toward Kuopio with signed turnoffs from road 75(1). North Karelia as a whole is known for lake and esker scenery—this pocket by Iso-Raejärvi and Ahven-Valkeinen is a compact sample.